Bibcode
Brandner, W.; Martín, E. L.; Bouy, H.; Köhler, R.; Delfosse, X.; Basri, G.; Andersen, M.
Bibliographical reference
Astronomy and Astrophysics, v.428, p.205-208 (2004)
Advertised on:
12
2004
Journal
Citations
14
Refereed citations
12
Description
We present astrometric monitoring data of the binary brown dwarf DENIS-P
J1228.2-1547. The data have been obtained with the Hubble Space
Telescope over a time span of 5.5 yr, and confirm that DENIS-P
J1228.2-1547 is indeed a common proper motion, i.e., physical, binary.
The data cover about 1/8th of the binary orbit, indicating an orbital
period of ≈45 yr, and a semimajor axis of ≈6.4 AU. A plausible fit
of the orbital parameters indicates that both components of the binary
are substellar, which is in good agreement with previous mass estimates
based on the presence of lithium in the combined spectra of both
components. Since the next periastron passage of DENIS-P J1228.2-1547 is
expected for the years 2030 to 2035, long-term astrometric monitoring is
required to derive accurate mass estimates for the system and the
individual components. The photometry obtained with HST/WFPC2 in the
F814W band shows no indication for photometric variability with an
amplitude larger than 0.05 mag over a time span of ≈1000 days.
Based on observations made with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope,
obtained at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by
the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under
NASA contract NAS 5-26555. These observations are associated with
programmes GO 7952, 8720, 9157, 9345, 9968.