Determining the Duplicity of Nearby T Dwarfs {Methane Brown Dwarfs}

Computer Science

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Hst Proposal Id #8563 Cool Stars

Scientific paper

Knowing the binary fraction of T-type dwarfs {methane brown dwarfs} is crucial to accurate determinations of the T-dwarf space density and mass function, especially since equal- magnitude binaries can introduce significant biases in photometric distance estimates. Because a recent study of slightly hotter L dwarfs indicates that 30 percent of those systems form as equal-magnitude binaries, we believe that T dwarfs may show a similar tendency to form equal-mass pairs. Characterization of the T-dwarf multiplicity fraction is necessary if properties of the first few discoveries are to be adequately applied to larger samples uncovered later. We propose to image ten newly discovered T dwarfs using the incomparable resolution of WFPC2, where colors from the F814W and F1042M filters will provide discrimination of background sources. This imaging program will not only be able to split close binaries, but will also be capable of detecting wider companions up to four magnitudes fainter than the T dwarf primary. This will enable us to probe to temperatures around 500K, much cooler than any brown dwarf previously identified and squarely in the regime occupied by young, high-mass planets.

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