PHL 5038: A spatially resolved white dwarf + brown dwarf binary

Details PHL 5038: A spatially resolved white dwarf + brown dwarf binary PHL 5038: A spatially resolved white dwarf + brown dwarf binary

2009-03-18

arxiv.org/abs/0903.3219v2

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Solar and Stellar Astrophysics

5 pages, 3 figures, accepted to A&A

Scientific paper

A near-infrared excess is detected at the white dwarf PHL5038 in UKIDSS photometry, consistent with the presence of a cool, substellar companion. We have obtained H- and K-grism spectra and images of PHL5038 using NIRI on Gemini North. The target is spatially and spectrally resolved into two components; an 8000K DA white dwarf, and a likely L8 brown dwarf companion, separated by 0.94". The spectral type of the secondary was determined using standard spectral indices for late L and T dwarfs. The projected orbital separation of the binary is 55AU, and so it becomes only the second known wide WD+dL binary to be found after GD165AB. This object could potentially be used as a benchmark for testing substellar evolutionary models at intermediate to older ages.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

PHL 5038: A spatially resolved white dwarf + brown dwarf binary 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 PHL 5038: A spatially resolved white dwarf + brown dwarf binary, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and PHL 5038: A spatially resolved white dwarf + brown dwarf binary will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-402196