Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Galaxy Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2011-10-19
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Galaxy Astrophysics
Astrophysical Journal, in press, for press release see http://science.psu.edu/news-and-events/2011-news/Luhman10-2011
Scientific paper
Using two epochs of 4.5um images from the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) on board the Spitzer Space Telescope, we recently identified a common proper motion companion to the white dwarf WD 0806-661 that is a candidate for the coldest known brown dwarf. To verify its cool nature, we have obtained images of this object at 3.6um with IRAC, at J with HAWK-I on the Very Large Telescope, and in a filter covering the red half of J with FourStar on Magellan. WD 0806-661 B is detected by IRAC but not HAWK-I or FourStar. From these data we measure colors of [3.6]-[4.5]=2.77+/-0.16 and J-[4.5]>7.0 (SNR<3). Based on these colors and its absolute magnitudes, WD 0806-661 B is the coldest companion directly imaged outside of the solar system and is a contender for the coldest known brown dwarf with the Y dwarf WISEP J1828+2650. It is unclear which of these two objects is colder given the available data. A comparison of its absolute magnitude at 4.5um to the predictions of theoretical spectra and evolutionary models suggests that WD 0806-661 B has T=300-345 K.
Bochanski John J.
Burgasser Adam Jonathan
Labb'e Ivo
Luhman Kevin L.
Marley Mark S.
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