NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2002B-0142
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2002B-0142 |
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PI: I. N. Reid, Space Telescope Science Institute, inr@stsci.edu
Address: 3900 San Martin Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
CoI: P. Allen, University of Pennsylvania
CoI: David Koerner, University of Pennsylvania
Title: A search for planetary-mass companions to ultracool dwarfs
Abstract:
We have been using multi-epoch near-infrared imaging with the IRTF
to search for brown dwarf and planetary-mass companions to 160 ultracool
dwarfs. In most cases, candidate companions can be eliminated based
either on near-infrared colours or lack of common proper motion with the
late-M or L potential primary. However, 33 low proper-motion targets
have potential companions with neutral (J-K) colours, consistent with
either genuine T dwarf companions or distant halo subdwarfs. Optical
photometry provides a simple means of discriminating between these
alternatives. We propose to use I-band imaging with WIYN to determine
whether any of these candidate companions have (I-J) colours consistent
with those expected for cool brown 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 > 2002B-0142 |
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