Keck Adaptive Optics Observations of the TW Hydrae Association Members.

Macintosh, B. ; Max, C. ; Zuckerman, B. ; Becklin, E. ; Kaisler, D.

Technical Information Center Oak Ridge Tennessee

关键词: Optics;    Telescopes;    Planets;    Stars;    Adaptive optics;   

RP-ID  :  DE200415006513

学科分类：工程和技术（综合）

美国|英语

来源: National Technical Reports Library

【 摘 要 】

Adaptive optics (AO) on 8-10 m telescopes is an enormously powerful tool for studying young nearby stars. It is especially useful for searching for companions. Using AO on the 10-m W.M. Keck II telescope we have measured the position of the brown dwarf companion to TWA5 and resolved the primary into an 0.055(double(underline)prime) double. Over the next several years follow-up astrometry should permit an accurate determination of the masses of these young stars. We have also re-observed the candidate extrasolar planet TWAGB, but measurements of its motion relative to TWA6A are inconclusive. We are carrying out a search for new planetary or brown dwarf companions to TWA stars and, if current giant planet models are correct, are currently capable of detecting a 1 Jupiter-mass companion at(approx) 1.0(double(underline)prime) and a 5 Jupiter-mass companion at(approx) 0.5(double(underline)prime) around a typical TWA member.