NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013B-0539
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013B-0539 |
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PI: Sandy Leggett, Gemini Observatory, sleggett@gemini.edu
Address: Gemini Observatory, 670 N. Aohoku Place, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
CoI: David Pinfield, University Hertfordshire UK
CoI: Maria Teresa Ruiz, University of Chile
CoI: Mark Marley, NASA Ames
CoI: Didier Saumon, Los Alamos National Lab
CoI: Jackie Faherty, University of Chile
CoI: Ricky Smart, Torino Observatory Italy
CoI: Joana Gomes, University of Hertfordshire
CoI: Avril Day-Jones, University of Chile
Title: A new Y dwarf search probing the limits of WISE
Abstract: We propose to use FLAMINGOS-2, GNIRS and NIRI to follow-up candidate Y dwarfs from a new search of the WISE catalog. Our method uses WISE multiple measurements and photometric profile fit information to identify non-variable point sources which are detected only in the W2-band, the band most sensitive to very cool brown dwarfs. This search identifies 121 previously unknown candidates down to a S/N=8 limit and probes the lowest Teff that WISE is sensitive to. Initial near-IR followup produced photometry for 13 sources, of which 9 are T8 and earlier T types, three are new 500K T9 dwarfs and one is a new 400K Y0 dwarf. When followup is complete we should approximately double the known number of WISE brown dwarfs cooler than 500K. In 13B we request time to obtain J-band photometry for 85 sources, which make up 75% of our remaining unmatched sample. We expect to find 8 new Y dwarfs, for which we will also obtain H-band photometry. For the brightest new Y dwarfs we will obtain spectra. We expect there will be up to three more semesters where we request time for this project, to image and followup the remaining 25% of our sample, and confirm and characterize new Y dwarfs.
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 > 2013B-0539 |
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