NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010A-0136
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010A-0136 |
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PI: Joseph Carson, Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, jcarson@mpia.de
Address: Koenigstuhl 17 , 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
CoI: Christian Thalmann, Max Planck Institute for Astronomy
CoI: Markus Janson, University of Toronto
CoI: Miwa Goto, Max Planck Institute for Astronomy
CoI: Michael McElwain, Princeton University
CoI: Markus Feldt, Max Planck Institute for Astronomy
CoI: Thomas Henning, Max Planck Institute for Astronomy
CoI: Motohide Tamura, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
Title: Coldest Imaged Companion of a Sun-Like Star
Abstract:
In May and August 2009, we and collaborators used Adaptive Optics H-band
direct-imaging to discover a 28 AU (projected separation) planet or
brown-dwarf companion to the solar-type star GJ 758. The measured photometry
and astrometry indicated a 10-40 Jupiter mass bound companion with a
temperature of 550-640K. The discovery (submitted in Sep 2009 to Science
Express) marks the coldest companion of a star ever imaged in thermal light.
The companion is also a candidate for the coldest object ever thermally
imaged outside our solar system.
We propose to use Gemini NIRI to conduct multi-band photometry and astrometry
of this remarkable object. The astrometry, combined with the previous data,
will allow us to observe significant orbital motion, thus constraining
semi-major axis, eccentricity, and object mass. Photometry (in J, H, K-cont,
CH4-short, and CH4-long filters) will provide better constraints on object
temperature and mass, while also giving us a first-ever glimpse into the
atmosphere of the coldest imaged companion of a sun-like star.
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 > 2010A-0136 |
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