NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2001B-0155
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2001B-0155 |
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PI: Christopher R. Gelino, New Mexico State University, crom@nmsu.edu
Address: PO Box 30001, MSC 4500, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
CoI: Mark Marley, New Mexico State University
Title: Searching for Clouds in L Dwarfs
Abstract:
The effective temperatures of L dwarfs (the spectral class next
cooler than M) span the range where molecules can condense to form
clouds. As on Jupiter, clouds on these objects are not expected to be
uniform. Photometric variability in the I band has been reported for
several L dwarfs, as has variations in the spectrum of one L dwarf.
These variations are likely caused by clouds. It is not known if the
variations are from a large cloud (or hole in a cloud) moving across the
disk of the object, or if the clouds are rapidly evolving. We propose
to observe 4 L dwarfs in order to search for variations in the infrared.
All of our targets have been monitored in the I band, and two have shown
variations. The multi-wavelength photometry obtained with SQIID on the
KPNO 2.1m will be used to determine how the brightness changes
simultaneously in the infrared J, H, and K bandpasses, thereby creating
a rough spectral energy distribution as a function of time. This
information will place constraints on the source of the variability. We
request 8 nights with SQIID on the KPNO 2.1m telescope to obtain J, H,
and K light curves of 4 L dwarfs.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2001B-0155 |
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