NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009A-0160
|
NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009A-0160 |
|
PI: Henry Kobulnicky, University of Wyoming, chipk@uwyo.edu
Address: Dept. 3905 Physics and Astronomy, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, Wy 82071, United States
CoI: Brian Uzpen, University of Wyoming
Title: Establishing the Missing Link: Validating New Transition/Debris Disk Objects
Abstract: We propose a 2.2 night program between the Magellan II and Gemini telescopes to acquire high resolution spectra and 10(micron) photometry for the purpose of determining stellar and circumstellar properties of stars with possible transition or debris disks. We recently discovered a large sample of young stars of spectral types B-K, which exhibit mid- but not near-infrared excesses. These stars could be debris disks systems, a possible signpost of planet formation, or young stars at the end of their pre-main-sequence stage. We propose using T-RecS to acquire 10(micron) photometry for the purpose of 1) confirming the IR excesses and 2) measuring disk temperatures and fractional luminosities, L_IR/L_*, in 12 candidate transition/debris disk sources. Confirming the mid-IR excesses will establish these sources as rare massive debris disks similar to (beta) Pictoris or late-stage transition disks similar to e.g., DM Tau. We propose using MIKE to acquire high-resolution spectroscopy for 18 candidate disk systems to determine 1) if these stars exhibit hydrogen emission, 2) if these stars exhibit metallic emission, and 3) stellar rotational velocities and temperatures. These properties will help characterize these disk sources, investigate possible evolutionary trends, and provide greater constraints to the circumstellar evolutionary processes.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
|
NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009A-0160 |
|