SIMBAD references

2012ApJ...744..135L - Astrophys. J., 744, 135 (2012/January-2)

Confirmation of one of the coldest known brown dwarfs.

LUHMAN K.L., BURGASSER A.J., LABBE I., SAUMON D., MARLEY M.S., BOCHANSKI J.J., MONSON A.J. and PERSSON S.E.

Abstract (from CDS):

Using two epochs of 4.5 µm images from the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) on board the Spitzer Space Telescope, we recently identified a common proper motion companion to the white dwarf WD 0806-661 that is a candidate for the coldest known brown dwarf. To verify its cool nature, we have obtained images of this object at 3.6 µm with IRAC, at J with the High Acuity Wide-field K-band Imager (HAWK-I) on the Very Large Telescope, and in a filter covering the red half of J with FourStar on Magellan. WD 0806-661 B is detected by IRAC but not HAWK-I or FourStar. From these data we measure colors of [3.6] - [4.5] = 2.77±0.16 and J - [4.5] > 7.0 (S/N < 3). Based on these colors and its absolute magnitudes, WD 0806-661 B is the coldest companion directly imaged outside of the solar system and is a contender for the coldest known brown dwarf with the Y dwarf WISEP J1828+2650. It is unclear which of these two objects is colder given the available data. A comparison of its absolute magnitude at 4.5 µm to the predictions of theoretical spectra and evolutionary models suggests that WD 0806-661 B has Teff= 300-345 K.

Abstract Copyright:

Journal keyword(s): binaries: visual - brown dwarfs - infrared: planetary systems - planetary systems - planets and satellites: atmospheres

Simbad objects: 7

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