Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2008-02-28
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Research Note to appear in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Scientific paper
10.1051/0004-6361:20079294
Observations of low-mass companions for which the dynamical masses are well constrained help to improve the calibration of evolutionary models. Such observations thereby provide more confidence in the estimation of the mass of a companion using the photometric methods expected for the next generation of planet finder instruments. The commissioning of a new coronagraph at the Very Large Telescope (VLT) was the occasion to test the performance of this technique on the well-known object AB Dor A and its 0.09$M_\odot$ companion AB Dor C. The purpose of this paper is to refine the photometric analysis on this object and to provide an accurate photometric error budget. In addition to coronagraphy, we calibrated the residual stellar halo with a reference star. We used standard techniques for photometric extraction. The companion AB Dor C is easily detected at 0.185" from the primary star, and its magnitudes in H and Ks are in agreement with an M5.5 object, as already known from spectroscopic observations. However, these new measurements make the earlier J-band photometry less reliable. Finally, the comparison with evolutionary models supports an age of (75\pm 25) Myr, contrary to previous analyses. These observations demonstrate that coronagraphic observations can be more efficient than direct imaging, not only to improve contrast, but also to provide a better photometric estimation as long as a good calibration of the stellar halo is achieved.
Baudoz Pi.
Beuzit Jean Luc
Boccaletti Anthony
Chauvin Gael
No associations
LandOfFree
Coronagraphic near-IR photometry of AB Dor C does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Coronagraphic near-IR photometry of AB Dor C, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Coronagraphic near-IR photometry of AB Dor C will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-471610