NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012B-0400
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2012B-0400 |
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PI: Yilen Gomez Maqueo Chew, Vanderbilt University, yilen.gomez@vanderbilt.edu
Address: Physics Department, 6301 Stevenson Center Lane, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
CoI: Enrique Garcia-Melendo, Fundacio Observatori Esteve Duran
CoI: Leslie Hebb, Vanderbilt University
CoI: Francesca Faedi, Queen's University Belfast
CoI: Mercedes Lopez-Morales, Carnegie Institution of Washington (DTM)
CoI: Don Pollacco, Queen's University Belfast
Title: A SuperWASP Benchmark Eclipsing Binary with a Very Low-Mass Secondary in the Brown Dwarf Desert
Abstract: We will obtain eclipse light curves of a newly discovered eclipsing binary composed of a Sun-like primary with a secondary companion which can be either a very low mass M-dwarf (less than ~0.15 \msun) or a brown dwarf. The objects orbit each other with a period of ~14.3 days in an eccentric orbit, which as been confirmed with a high- precision radial velocity curve for the system. Therefore, these eclipse light curves will allow us to constrain the radii of the eclipsing components and orbital inclination of the system. Furthermore, the depth of the secondary eclipse which can only be observed in the near-infrared, directly constrains the temperature ratio between the components. In combination with the the masses derived from the radial velocity curve, our light curve analysis will unveil the true nature of the secondary. Whether it is a very-low mass star or a brown dwarf, direct measurements of the fundamental properties (masses, radii and temperatures) of such objects are very scarce and will provide key tests to current evolutionary models. Thus, we request two nights with FLAMINGOS at the KPNO 2.1m to observe a complete secondary eclipse of the system at near-infrared wavelengths in order to fully characterize the very low-mass component of the system.
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-0400 |
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