NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009A-0173
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009A-0173 |
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PI: Peter Allen, Pennsylvania State University, pallen@astro.psu.edu
Address: Astronomy Department, 525 Davey Lab, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
CoI: Laird Close, University of Arizona
Title: A Survey for Faint, Close, Low-Mass Tertiaries to Nearby Spectroscopic Binaries
Abstract: We propose to use NGS AO Altair/NIRI imaging at Gemini-North to carry out a multi-epoch common proper motion survey of a carefully selected sample of 60 known nearby spectroscopic binaries for tertiary companions. Recent star formation simulations and observations have demonstrated that main sequence spectroscopic binaries have an enhanced wide (>30 AU) companion rate compared to single stars. This rate has been found to be from 60% to nearly 100% depending on the period of the spectroscopic binary. We will take advantage of this high tertiary companion rate to look for ultracool companions with separations from a few AU (>0.1") to a few hundred AU (<20"). This is an excellent "poor" sky condition project for Gemini to execute in non-photometric conditions, that will inform our models of star formation and possibly detect new nearby ultra-cool faint companions.
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 > 2009A-0173 |
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