NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012B-0530
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012B-0530 |
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PI: Aren Heinze, Stony Brook University, ariheinze@hotmail.com
Address: Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Rd, Stony Brook, NY 11794-3800, USA
CoI: Stanimir Metchev, Stony Brook University
CoI: Daniel Apai, University of Arizona
CoI: Davin Flateau, University of Arizona
Title: Simultaneous Ground Based Monitoring of Brown Dwarfs Being Observed with Spitzer
Abstract:
Brown dwarfs are the only objects beyond the solar system on which
we can currently observe weather. Patchy clouds cause periodic,
rotationally modulated photometric variability in some brown dwarfs;
others show apparently non-periodic variations, potentially because
rapid cloud evolution washes out the rotational photometric modulation.
Measuring the relative amplitudes of a brown dwarf's photometric
variability at different wavelengths reveals the altitude and other
physical properties of its clouds. However, non-periodic variations
require that the amplitudes be measured simultaneously in time. We
propose to obtain simultaneous, multi-band photometry of brown dwarfs by
observing them in the optical or near-IR at the same time as they are
being monitored at longer wavelengths with Spitzer. These observations
will have unique leverage to constrain the properties of brown dwarf
clouds. Given the uncertain future of the Spitzer Warm Mission and the
lack of any other mission with similar capability, the present semester
represents a limited window of opportunity for carrying out such
observations.
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 > 2012B-0530 |
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