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A Search for Brown Dwarfs around Young Solar-Analog Stars Using the Hōkūpa'a/Gemini Adaptive Optics System

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 May 2016

Daniel E. Potter
Affiliation:
Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawai'i, 2680 Woodlawn Drive, Honolulu, HI, 96822
Eduardo L. Martín
Affiliation:
Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawai'i, 2680 Woodlawn Drive, Honolulu, HI, 96822
Michael C. Cushing
Affiliation:
Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawai'i, 2680 Woodlawn Drive, Honolulu, HI, 96822

Abstract

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We present the results of a search for low-mass companions around a sample of young, solar-analog stars using the Hōkūpa'a adaptive optics instrument mounted on the Gemini North 8 m telescope. Out of 31 stars observed, one binary brown dwarf system was found as a companion to the star HD 130948 (HIP 72567), as confirmed by proper motion and near-IR spectra. Orbital motion between the two brown dwarfs was measured, but our 14 month time baseline is inadequate to accurately measure the system's dynamical mass. Upcoming spectroscopic observations of the brown dwarfs will measure their lithium absorption lines to provide a more accurate age estimate of the system. The eventual dynamical mass determination coupled with the age determination will provide a valuable check of brown dwarf evolutionary models.

Type
Part 6. Searches for Substellar Companions
Copyright
Copyright © Astronomical Society of the Pacific 2001 

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