Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jul 2000
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000hst..prop.8581r&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #8581
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Hst Proposal Id #8581 Cool Stars
Scientific paper
We propose to use the unparalleled resolution and sensitivity of WFPC2 to search for very low-mass {VLM} companions to a complete sample of 120 late-M and L dwarfs, drawn mainly from the 2MASS and SDSS surveys. Our primary goal is to determine the multiplicity of M < 0.1 M_odot dwarfs. In particular, we aim to identify binary systems suitable for long-term astrometric monitoring and mass measurement, and systems with cool, sub-1000K companions. With a dynamic range of Delta m_I 5 mag. for separations Delta > 0arcs3, these observations are capable of detecting companions with mass ratios M_Sec / M_Pri > 0.4. Most of our targets are at distances between 10 and 40 parsecs. Given a binary fraction and semi-major axis distribution similar to M dwarfs, approximately 20 are expected to be resolved. With detection limits extending well below the hydrogen-burning limit to Gl229B-like temperature, these observations, supplemented by ground-based imaging and spectroscopy, will provide a definitive measurement of the binary fraction and mass-ratio distribution in VLM dwarfs.
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