NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012A-0490
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012A-0490 |
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PI: David Levitan, Caltech, dlevitan@caltech.edu
Address: Physics Department, Caltech 290-17, Pasadena, CA 91106, USA
CoI: Paul J. Groot, Caltech/Radboud University
CoI: Shrinivas R. Kulkarni, Caltech
CoI: Thomas Matheson, NOAO
CoI: Thomas A. Prince, Caltech
CoI: Gregory Simonian, Caltech
Title: Classification of PTF-identified Outbursting Galactic Sources
Abstract: The study of (ultra-)compact binaries is directly relevant to many important but poorly understood areas of astrophysics. However, recent population estimates of these systems have not been well supported by observations. We propose to use the Mayall 4 m telescope to obtain classification spectra for 200 sources selected by their observed outbursts from the Palomar Transient Factory photometric database. We anticipate that these systems will be one of two classes - either cataclysmic variables or AM CVn systems. This sample will represent a non-color biased sample of such systems that will allow us to better understand binary and common envelope evolution.
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 > 2012A-0490 |
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