Computer Science
Scientific paper
Mar 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008sptz.prop50059b&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #50059
Computer Science
Scientific paper
Clouds play a fundamental role in the emergent spectral energy distributions and observed variability of very low mass stars and brown dwarfs, yet hey have only been studied indirectly thus far. Recent indications of a broad silicate grain absorption feature in the 8-11 micron spectra of mid-type L dwarfs, and evidence that the strength of this absorption varies according to broad-band near-infrared color, may finally allow the first direct studies of clouds and condensate grain properties in brown dwarf atmospheres. We propose to observe a sample of 18 ``extreme'' L dwarfs - objects with unusually blue and red near-infrared colors - with IRAC and IRS to study the 8-11 micron feature in detail (including grain size distributions and bulk compositions), and to constrain advanced condensate cloud atmosphere models currently in development. Our program provides a unique examination of the general processes of cloud formation by focusing on the relatively warm photospheres of late-type brown dwarfs.
Burgasser Adam
Cruz Kelle
Cushing Michael
Kirkpatrick Joseph D.
Looper Dagny
No associations
LandOfFree
Direct Observations of Clouds on Brown Dwarfs: A Spitzer Study of Extreme Cases 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 Direct Observations of Clouds on Brown Dwarfs: A Spitzer Study of Extreme Cases, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Direct Observations of Clouds on Brown Dwarfs: A Spitzer Study of Extreme Cases will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-884203