NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012A-0213
|
NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012A-0213 |
|
PI: Eduardo L. Martin, University of Florida, ege@ufl.edu
Address: Geological Sciences, 241 Williamson Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
CoI: Ramarao Tata, Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias
CoI: Eder Martioli, University of Hawaii/IfA-CFHT
Title: A spectroscopic follow-up of ultracool dwarf candidates in the Kepler field of view
Abstract: We have used selection criteria based on photometry and proper motions to select ultracool dwarf candidates from the Kepler Input Catalog (KIC). We have obtained follow-up low-resolution optical spectroscopy for 5 of these candidates at the 4m Mayall telescope at KPNO in 2011B which allowed us to confirm that their spectral properties are those of ultracool dwarfs (4 mid to late-M and one L-type) with 100% success rate (i.e. so far the candidate selection is without any contamination). These objects provide excellent targets for transit searches and variability studies at the ultracool end of the spectrum. We estimate that given the Kepler precision expected for their brightness and their small radii, a detection of earth sized planets is feasible around them. In this proposal we request time to obtain spectroscopic confirmation of 27 additional ultracool dwarf candidates that will extend our study to find more ultracool dwarfs for follow-up study using Kepler.
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 > 2012A-0213 |
|