SIMBAD references

2004A&A...423..341B - Astronomy and Astrophysics, volume 423, 341-352 (2004/8-3)

First determination of the dynamical mass of a binary L dwarf.

BOUY H., DUCHENE G., KOEHLER R., BRANDNER W., BOUVIER J., MARTIN E.L., GHEZ A., DELFOSSE X., FORVEILLE T., ALLARD F., BARAFFE I., BASRI G., CLOSE L. and McCABE C.E.

Abstract (from CDS):

We present here the results of astrometric, photometric and spectroscopic observations leading to the determination of the orbit and dynamical masses of the binary L dwarf 2MASSW J0746425+2000321. High angular resolution observations spread over almost 4 years and obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), the ESO Very Large Telescope (VLT), and a the W. M. Keck Observatory (Keck) allow us to cover ∼36% of the period, corresponding to 60% of the orbit, and, for the first time, to derive a precise estimate of the total and individual masses of such a late-type object. We find an orbital period of 3850.9+904–767days. The corresponding total mass is 0.146+0.016–0.006M with uncertainties depending on the distance. Spatially resolved low resolution optical (550-1025nm) spectra have been obtained with HST/STIS, allowing us to measure the spectral types of the two components (L0±0.5 for the primary and L1.5±0.5 for the secondary). We also present precise photometry of the individual components measured on the high angular resolution images obtained with HST/ACS and WFPC2 (visible), VLT/NACO (J, H and KS bands) and Keck I (KS band). These spectral and photometric measurements enable us to estimate their effective temperatures and mass ratio, and to place the object accurately in a H-R diagram. The binary system is most likely formed by a primary with a mass of 0.085±0.010M and a secondary with a mass of 0.066±0.006M, thus clearly substellar, for an age of approximately 300±150Myr. Hα variability indicates chromospheric and/or magnetic activity.

Abstract Copyright:

Journal keyword(s): stars: low-mass, brown dwarfs - star: individual: 2MASSW J0746425+2000321 - stars: binary (including multiple): close - techniques: high angular resolution - stars: binaries: visual

Simbad objects: 8

goto Full paper

goto View the references in ADS

To bookmark this query, right click on this link: simbad:2004A&A...423..341B and select 'bookmark this link' or equivalent in the popup menu