NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0272
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0272 |
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PI: Sandy Leggett, Gemini Observatory, sleggett@gemini.edu
Address: Gemini Observatory, 670 N. Aohoku Place, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
CoI: Sean Carey, Caltech IPAC
CoI: Mike Cushing, University of Toledo
CoI: Jonathan Fortney, UC Santa Cruz
CoI: Chris Gelino, Caltech IPAC
CoI: John Gizis, University of Delaware
CoI: Davy Kirkpatrick, Caltech IPAC
CoI: Gregory Mace, UC Los Angeles
CoI: Mark Marley, NASA Ames
CoI: Caroline Morley, UC Santa Cruz
CoI: Didier Saumon, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Title: Observing Weather on Y Dwarfs
Abstract:
Recently WISE discovered the local population of cold Y dwarfs. New models
calculated by members of our team which include chloride and sulfide clouds
are successful at reproducing the energy distributions of brown dwarfs with
T_eff between 400K and 800K (Y0 to T8 types). Below 400K the chloride and
sulfide clouds clear, and water clouds will form. We propose a monitoring
program using NIRI at 1um to search for variability in three 300 -- 400K Y
dwarfs, on time scales of minutes, hours and months. The observations will be
combined with 3.6 and 4.5um monitoring data from awarded Spitzer Cycle 9
time. We expect significant variability at 1um, as is seen at the L to T
transition; mid-IR variability is also possible, based on Jupiter's 5um
hotspots. The color, amplitude and timeframe of the variability will
constrain both its cause and our models. We are working on models which
include H2O clouds. The new model suite will enable detailed study of brown
dwarfs and gas giant exoplanets at nearly all relevant T_eff, including those
found at Gemini by GPI.
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 > 2013A-0272 |
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