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PHL 5038: a spatially resolved white dwarf + brown dwarf binary

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journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 14:28 authored by Steele, PR, Burleigh, MR, Farihi, J, Gansicke, BT, Jameson, RF, Dobbie, PD, Barstow, MA
A near-infrared excess is detected at the white dwarf PHL 5038 in UKIDSS photometry, consistent with the presence of a cool, substellar companion. We have obtained H- and K-grism spectra and images of PHL 5038 using NIRI on Gemini North. The target is spatially and spectrally resolved into two components: an 8000 K DA white dwarf, and a likely L8 brown dwarf companion, separated by 0.94". The spectral type of the secondary was determined using standard spectral indices for late L and T dwarfs. The projected orbital separation of the binary is 55 AU, so it becomes only the second known wide WD+dL binary to be found after GD 165AB. This object could potentially be used as a benchmark for testing substellar evolutionary models at intermediate to older ages.

History

Publication title

Astronomy and Astrophysics: A European Journal

Volume

500

Pagination

1207 - 1210

ISSN

0004-6361

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

E D P Sciences

Place of publication

7, Ave Du Hoggar, Parc D Activites Courtaboeuf, Bp 112, Les Ulis Cedexa, France, F-91944

Rights statement

Copyright 2009 ESO

Repository Status

  • Open

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the physical sciences

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