NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010B-0341
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010B-0341 |
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PI: Sergio Dieterich, Georgia State University, dieterich@chara.gsu.edu
Address: Department of Physics and Astronomy, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
CoI: Todd Henry, Georgia State University
CoI: Wei Chun Jao, Georgia State University
CoI: Adric Riedel, Georgia State University
Title: Probing Stellar Physics at the Bottom of the Main Sequence: Continuing the Pursuit of Dynamical Masses
Abstract:
We propose to continue our Gemini North NIRI/ALTAIR campaign to obtain
dynamical masses for nearby binary systems with masses close to the hydrogen
burning limit. As a continuation of Gemini program GN-2009B-Q-10 (NOAO ID
2009B-0432), we propose to obtain resolved JHK photometry for 15 Very Low
Mass (VLM) binaries. All binaries will eventually yield model independent
dynamical masses with both the total mass and the system's mass ratio well
constrained by our unique method of combining high resolution imaging with
astrometric photocentric orbits obtained through our parallax and astrometric
monitoring program. Ten targets have previously been resolved as binaries by
this campaign, and we now propose to obtain second epochs for orbital
mapping. Three additional targets are unconfirmed binaries for which we have
detected astrometric perturbations and/or noted excess flux in a
color-magnitude diagram. These targets very likely harbor low mass
companions. The remaining two targets have been previously resolved by
others, and have unpublished astrometric photocentric orbits mapped out by
our astrometric monitoring program. At least one more epoch of resolved high
resolution imaging is necessary to obtain mass ratios for these two last
objects. This effort constitutes a major component of the PI's doctoral
thesis.
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 > 2010B-0341 |
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