Showing papers on "Photometry (optics) published in 2004"

Near - infrared photometry and spectroscopy of L and T dwarfs: The Effects of temperature, clouds, and gravity

Abstract: We present new JHK photometry on the MKO-NIR system and JHK spectroscopy for a large sample of L and T dwarfs. Photometry has been obtained for 71 dwarfs, and spectroscopy for 56. The sample comprises newly identified very red objects from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and known dwarfs from the SDSS and the Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS). Spectral classification has been carried out using four previously defined indices from Geballe et al. that measure the strengths of the near infrared water and methane bands. We identify nine new L8?9.5 dwarfs and 14 new T dwarfs from SDSS, including the latest yet found by SDSS, the T7 dwarf SDSS J175805.46+463311.9. We classify 2MASS J04151954-0935066 as T9, the latest and coolest dwarf found to date. We combine the new results with our previously published data to produce a sample of 59 L dwarfs and 42 T dwarfs with imaging data on a single photometric system and with uniform spectroscopic classification. We compare the near-infrared colors and absolute magnitudes of brown dwarfs near the L?T transition with predictions made by models of the distribution and evolution of photospheric condensates. There is some scatter in the Geballe et al. spectral indices for L dwarfs, suggesting that these indices are probing different levels of the atmosphere and are affected by the location of the condensate cloud layer. The near-infrared colors of the L dwarfs also show scatter within a given spectral type, which is likely due to variations in the altitudes, spatial distributions, and thicknesses of the clouds. We have identified a small group of late-L dwarfs that are relatively blue for their spectral type and that have enhanced FeH, H2O, and K I absorption, possibly due to an unusually small amount of condensates. The scatter seen in the H-K color for late-T dwarfs can be reproduced by models with a range in surface gravity. The variation is probably due to the effect on the K-band flux of pressure-induced H2 opacity. The correlation of H-K color with gravity is supported by the observed strengths of the J-band K I doublet. Gravity is closely related to mass for field T dwarfs with ages greater than108 yr and the gravities implied by the H-K colors indicate that the T dwarfs in our sample have masses in the range 15?75MJupiter. One of the SDSS dwarfs, SDSS J111010.01+011613.1, is possibly a very low mass object, with log g ~ 4.2?4.5 and mass ~ 10?15MJupiter.

Wide-field millimagnitude photometry with HAT: A Tool for Extra-solar Planet Detection

Abstract: We discuss the system requirements for obtaining millimagnitude photometric precision over a wide field using small aperture short focal length telescope systems, such as are being developed by a number of research groups to search for transiting extra-solar planets. We describe the Hungarian-made Automated Telescope (HAT) system which attempts to meet these requirements. The attainable precision of HAT has been significantly improved by a technique in which the telescope is made to execute small pointing steps during each exposure so as to broaden the effective point spread function of the system to a value more compatible with the pixel size of our CCD detector. Experiments during a preliminary survey (Spring 2003) of two star fields with the HAT-5 instrument allowed us to optimize the HAT photometric precision using this method of PSF broadening; in this way have been able to achieve a precision as good as 2 millimagnitudes on brighter stars. We briefly describe development of a network of HAT telescopes (HATnet) spaced in longitude.

The angular sizes of dwarf stars and subgiants Surface brightness relations calibrated by interferometry

Abstract: The availability of a number of new interferometric measurements of Main Sequence and subgiant stars makes it possible to calibrate the surface brightness relations of these stars using exclusively direct angular diameter measurements. These empirical laws make it possible to predict the limb darkened angular diameters θ LD of dwarfs and subgiants using their dereddened Johnson magnitudes, or their effective temperature. The smallest intrinsic dispersions of σ ≤ 1% in θ LD are obtained for the relations based on the K and L magnitudes, for instance log θ LD = 0.0502 (B - L) + 0.5133 - 0.2 L or log θ LD = 0.0755 (V - K) + 0.5170 - 0.2 K. Our calibrations are valid between the spectral types A0 and M2 for dwarf stars (with a possible extension to later types when using the effective temperature), and between A0 and K0 for subgiants. Such relations are particularly useful for estimating the angular sizes of calibrators for long-baseline interferometry from readily available broadband photometry.

The Ensemble Photometric Variability of ~25,000 Quasars in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey

Abstract: Using a sample of over 25,000 spectroscopically confirmed quasars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, we show how quasar variability in the rest-frame optical/UV regime depends on rest-frame time lag, luminosity, rest wavelength, redshift, the presence of radio and X-ray emission, and the presence of broad absorption line systems Imaging photometry is compared with three-band spectrophotometry obtained at later epochs spanning time lags up to about 2 yr The large sample size and wide range of parameter values allow the dependence of variability to be isolated as a function of many independent parameters The time dependence of variability (the structure function) is well fitted by a single power law with an index γ = 0246 ± 0008, on timescales from days to years There is an anticorrelation of variability amplitude with rest wavelength—eg, quasars are about twice as variable at 1000 A as at 6000 A—and quasars are systematically bluer when brighter at all redshifts There is a strong anticorrelation of variability with quasar luminosity—variability amplitude decreases by a factor of about 4 when luminosity increases by a factor of 100 There is also a significant positive correlation of variability amplitude with redshift, indicating evolution of the quasar population or the variability mechanism We parameterize all of these relationships Quasars with ROSAT All-Sky Survey X-ray detections are significantly more variable (at optical/UV wavelengths) than those without, and radio-loud quasars are marginally more variable than their radio-quiet counterparts We find no significant difference in the variability of quasars with and without broad absorption line troughs Currently, no models of quasar variability address more than a few of these relationships Models involving multiple discrete events or gravitational microlensing are unlikely by themselves to account for the data So-called accretion disk instability models are promising, but more quantitative predictions are needed

Preliminary Parallaxes of 40 L and T Dwarfs from the US Naval Observatory Infrared Astrometry Program

Abstract: We present preliminary trigonometric parallaxes and proper motions for 22 L dwarfs and 18 T dwarfs measured using the ASTROCAM infrared imager on the US naval Observatory (USNO) 1.55 m Strand Astrometric Reflector. The results presented here are based on observations obtained between 2000 September and 2002 November; about half of the objects have an observational time baseline of t 1:3 yr and half t 2:0 yr. Despite these short time baselines, the astrometric quality is sufficient to produce significant new results, especially for the nearer T dwarfs. Seven objects are in common with the USNO optical CCD parallax program for quality control and seven in common with the European Southern Observatory 3.5 m New Technology Telescope parallax program. We compare astrometric quality with both of these programs. Relative to absolute parallax corrections are made by employing Two Micron All Sky Survey and/or Sloan Digital Sky Survey photometry for reference-frame stars. We combine USNO infrared and optical parallaxes with the best available California Institute of Technology (CIT) system photometry to determine MJ , MH, and MK values for 37 L dwarfs between spectral types L0 and L8 and 19 T dwarfs between spectral types T0.5 and T8 and present selected absolute magnitude versus spectral type and color diagrams, based on these results. Luminosities and temperatures are estimated for these objects. Of special interest are the distances of several objects that are at or near the L-T dwarf boundary so that this important transition can be better understood. The previously reported early to mid T dwarf luminosity excess is clearly confirmed and found to be present at J, H, and K. The large number of objects that populate this luminosity-excess region indicate that it cannot be due entirely to selection effects. The T dwarf sequence is extended to MJ 16:9 by 2MASS J041519 0935, which, at d 5:74 pc, is found to be the lluminous LOG (L=L )pa

Preliminary Parallaxes of 40 L and T Dwarfs from the U.S. Naval Observatory Infrared Astrometry Program

Abstract: We present preliminary trigonometric parallaxes and proper motions for 22 L dwarfs and 18 T dwarfs measured using the ASTROCAM infrared imager. Relative to absolute parallax corrections are made by employing 2MASS and/or SDSS photometry for reference frame stars. We combine USNO infrared and optical parallaxes with the best available CIT system photometry to determine M_J, M_H, and M_K values for 37 L dwarfs between spectral types L0 to L8 and 19 T dwarfs between spectral types T0.5 and T8 and present selected absolute magnitude versus spectral type and color diagrams, based on these results. Luminosities and temperatures are estimated for these objects. Of special interest are the distances of several objects which are at or near the L-T dwarf boundary so that this important transition can be better understood. The previously reported early-mid T dwarf luminosity excess is clearly confirmed and found to be present at J, H, and K. The large number of objects that populate this luminosity excess region indicates that it cannot be due entirely to selection effects. The T dwarf sequence is extended to M_J~16.9 by 2MASS J041519-0935 which, at d = 5.74 pc, is found to be the least luminous [log(L/L_sun)=-5.58] and coldest (T_eff~760 K) brown dwarf known. Combining results from this paper with earlier USNO CCD results we find that, in contrast to the L dwarfs, there are no examples of low velocity (V_tan < 20 km/s) T dwarfs. We briefly discuss future directions for the USNO infrared astrometry program.

The angular size of dwarf stars and subgiants - Surface brightness relations calibrated by interferometry

Abstract: The availability of a number of new interferometric measurements of Main Sequence and subgiant stars makes it possible to calibrate the surface brightness relations of these stars using exclusively direct angular diameter measurements. These empirical laws allow to predict the limb darkened angular diameters theta_LD of dwarfs and subgiants using their dereddened Johnson magnitudes, or their effective temperature. The smallest intrinsic dispersions of sigma < 1% on theta_LD are obtained for the relations based on the K and L magnitudes, for instance log theta_LD = 0.0502 (B-L) + 0.5133 - 0.2 L or log theta_LD = 0.0755 (V-K) + 0.5170 - 0.2 K. Our calibrations are valid between the spectral types A0 and M2 for dwarf stars (with a possible extension to later types when using the effective temperature), and between A0 and K0 for subgiants. Such relations are particularly useful to estimate the angular size of calibrators for long baseline interferometry from readily available broadband photometry.

The Magellanic Clouds Photometric Survey: The Large Magellanic Cloud Stellar Catalog and Extinction Map

Abstract: We present our catalog of U, B, V, and I stellar photometry of the central 64 sq. deg. area of the Large Magellanic Cloud. Internal and external astrometric and photometric tests using existing optical photometry (U, B, and V from Massey's bright star catalog and I from the near-infrared sky survey DENIS) are used to confirm our observational uncertainty estimates. We fit stellar atmosphere models to the optical data to check the consistency of the photometry for individual stars across the passbands and to estimate the line-of-sight extinction. Finally, we use the estimated line-of-sight extinctions to produce an extinction map across the Large Magellanic Cloud, confirm the variation of extinction as a function of stellar population, and produce a simple geometrical model for the extinction as a function of stellar population.

Faint galaxies in deep advanced camera for surveys observations

Abstract: We present the analysis of the faint galaxy population in the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) Early Release Observation fields VV 29 (UGC 10214) and NGC 4676. These observations cover a total area of 26.3 arcmin 2 and have depths close to that of the Hubble Deep Fields in the deepest part of the VV 29 image, with 10 � detection limits for point sources of 27.8, 27.6, and 27.2 AB magnitudes in the g F475W , VF606W ,a ndIF814W bands, respectively. Measuring the faint galaxy number count distribution is a difficult task, with different groups arriving at widely varying results even on the same data set. Here we attempt to thoroughly consider all aspects relevant for faint galaxy counting and photometry, developing methods that are based on public software and that are easily reproducible by other astronomers. Using simulations we determine the best SExtractor parameters for the detection of faint galaxies in deep Hubble Space Telescope observations, paying special attention to the issue of deblending, which significantly affects the normalization and shape of the number count distribution. We confirm, as claimed by Bernstein, Freedman, & Madore, that Kron-like magnitudes, such as the ones generated by SExtractor, can miss more than half of the light offaint galaxies, what dramatically affects the slope of the number counts. We show how to correct for this effect, which depends sensitively not only on the characteristics of the observations, but also on the choice of SExtractor parameters. We present catalogs for the VV 29 and NGC 4676 fields with photometry in the F475W, F606W, and F814W bands. We also show that combining the Bayesian software BPZ with superb ACS data and new spectral templates enables us to estimate reliable photometric redshifts for a significant fraction of galaxies with as few as three filters. After correcting for selection effects, we measure slopes of 0:32 � 0:01for 22 25:5 can be well approximated in all our filters by a passive luminosity evolution model based on the COMBO-17 luminosity function (� ¼� 1:5), with a strong merging rate following the prescription of

The Luminosity of SN 1999by in NGC 2841 and the nature of `peculiar' Type Ia supernovae

Abstract: We present UBVRIJHK photometry and optical spectroscopy of the so-called peculiar Type Ia supernova 1999by in NGC 2841. The observations began 1 week before visual maximum light, which is well defined by daily observations. The light curves and spectra are similar to those of the prototypical subluminous event SN 1991bg. We find that maximum light in B occurred on 1999 May 10.3 UT (JD 2,451,308.8 ± 0.3) with B = 13.66 ± 0.02 and a color of Bmax - Vmax = 0.51 ± 0.03. The late-time color implies minimal dust extinction from the host galaxy. Our photometry, when combined with the recent Cepheid distance to NGC 2841, gives a peak absolute magnitude of MB = -17.15 ± 0.23, making SN 1999by one of the least luminous Type Ia events ever observed. We estimate a decline rate parameter of Δm15(B) = 1.90 mag, versus 1.93 for SN 1991bg, for which 1.10 is typical for so-called normal events. We compare SN 1999by with other subluminous events and find that the Bmax - Vmax color correlates strongly with the decline rate and may be a more sensitive indicator of luminosity than the fading rate for these objects. We find a good correlation between luminosity and the depth of the spectral feature at 580 nm, which had been attributed solely to Si II. We show that in cooler photospheres the 580 nm feature is dominated by Ti II, which provides a simple physical explanation for the correlation. Using only subluminous Type Ia supernovae, we derive a Hubble parameter of H0 = 75 km s-1 Mpc-1, consistent with values found from brighter events.

On the source of the late-time infrared luminosity of SN 1998S and other Type II supernovae

Abstract: We present late-time near-infrared (NIR) and optical observations of the Type IIn SN 1998S. The NIR photometry spans 333-1242 d after explosion, while the NIR and optical spectra cover 333-1191 and 305-1093 d, respectively. The NIR photometry extends to the M' band (4.7 mum), making SN 1998S only the second ever supernova for which such a long IR wavelength has been detected. The shape and evolution of the H and He I 1.083-mum line profiles indicate a powerful interaction with a progenitor wind, as well as providing evidence of dust condensation within the ejecta. The latest optical spectrum suggests that the wind had been flowing for at least 430 yr. The intensity and rise of the HK continuum towards longer wavelengths together with the relatively bright L' and M' magnitudes show that the NIR emission was due to hot dust newly formed in the ejecta and/or pre-existing dust in the progenitor circumstellar medium (CSM). The NIR spectral energy distribution (SED) at about 1 yr is well described by a single-temperature blackbody spectrum at about 1200 K. The temperature declines over subsequent epochs. After similar to2 yr, the blackbody matches are less successful, probably indicating an increasing range of temperatures in the emission regions. Fits to the SEDs achieved with blackbodies weighted with lambda(-1) or lambda(-2) emissivity are almost always less successful. Possible origins for the NIR emission are considered. Significant radioactive heating of ejecta dust is ruled out, as is shock X-ray-precursor heating of CSM dust. More plausible sources are (a) an IR echo from CSM dust driven by the ultraviolet/optical peak luminosity, and (b) emission from newly-condensed dust which formed within a cool, dense shell produced by the ejecta shock/CSM interaction. We argue that the evidence favours the condensing dust hypothesis, although an IR echo is not ruled out. Within the condensing-dust scenario, the IR luminosity indicates the presence of at least 10(-3) M. of dust in the ejecta, and probably considerably more. Finally, we show that the late-time (K-L')(0) evolution of Type II supernovae may provide a useful tool for determining the presence or absence of a massive CSM around their progenitor stars.

A proposed unified system of photometry

Abstract: ,!A unified system of photometry is proposed that is based on human vision and allows the specification of visual stimuli at all light levels. To be useful, however, photometry can never be entirely synonymous with vision. Additivity is an essential characteristic of photometry, yet many visual responses, such as brightness matching, incorporate visual channels that are inherently non-additive in responding to light. Following a review of models of mesopic photometry based on a number of experimental techniques, a system of photometry based on reaction times is proposed to bridge conventional photopic and scotopic luminous efficiency functions through the mesopic region. The basis for the unified system is a parameter, X, which describes the proportion of photopic luminous efficacy at any luminance, and luminance can be calculated from a simple closed-form equation. The utility of the system is described, including instrumentation for the measurement of unified luminance.

Optical and Infrared Photometry of the Type Ia Supernovae 1991T, 1991bg, 1999ek, 2001bt, 2001cn, 2001cz, and 2002bo

Abstract: We present optical and/or infrared photometry of the Type Ia supernovae SN 1991T, SN 1991bg, SN 1999ek, SN 2001bt, SN 2001cn, SN 2001cz, and SN 2002bo. All but one of these supernovae have decline rate parameters, Δm15(B), close to the median value of 1.1 for the whole class of Type Ia supernovae. The addition of these supernovae to the relationship between the near-infrared absolute magnitudes and Δm15(B) strengthens the previous relationships we have found in that the maximum light absolute magnitudes are essentially independent of the decline rate parameter. (SN 1991bg, the prototype of the subclass of fast-declining Type Ia supernovae, is a special case.) The dispersion in the Hubble diagram in JHK is only ~0.15 mag. The near-infrared properties of Type Ia supernovae continue to be excellent measures of the luminosity distances to the supernova host galaxies because of the need for only small corrections from the epoch of observation to maximum light, low dispersion in absolute magnitudes at maximum light, and the minimal reddening effects in the near-infrared.

Dust Attenuation in Late-Type Galaxies. I. Effects on Bulge and Disk Components

Abstract: We present results of new Monte Carlo calculations made with the DIRTY code of radiative transfer of stellar and scattered radiation for a dusty giant late-type galaxy like the Milky Way, which illustrate the effect of the attenuation of stellar light by internal dust on the integrated photometry of the individual bulge and disk components. Here we focus on the behavior of the attenuation function, the color excess, and the fraction of light scattered or directly transmitted toward the outside observer as a function of the total amount of dust and the inclination of the galaxy, and the structure of the dusty interstellar medium (ISM) of the disk. We confirm that dust attenuation produces qualitatively and quantitatively different effects on the integrated photometry of bulge and disk, whatever the wavelength. In addition, we find that the structure of the dusty ISM affects more sensitively the observed magnitudes than the observed colors of both bulge and disk. Finally, we show that the contribution of the scattered radiation to the total monochromatic light received by the outside observer is significant, particularly at UV wavelengths, even for a two-phase, clumpy, dusty ISM. Thus, understanding dust scattering properties is fundamental for the interpretation of extragalactic observations in the rest-frame UV.

Optical and Infrared Photometry of the Type Ia Supernovae 1991T, 1991bg, 1999ek, 2001bt, 2001cn, 2001cz, and 2002bo

Abstract: We present optical and/or infrared photometry of the Type Ia supernovae SN 1991T, SN 1991bg, SN 1999ek, SN 2001bt, SN 2001cn, SN 2001cz, and SN 2002bo. All but one of these supernovae have decline rate parameters Delta m_15(B) close to the median value of 1.1 for the whole class of Type Ia supernovae. The addition of these supernovae to the relationship between the near-infrared absolute magnitudes and Delta m_15(B) strengthens the previous relationships we have found, in that the maximum light absolute magnitudes are essentially independent of the decline rate parameter. (SN 1991bg, the prototype of the subclass of fast declining Type Ia supernovae, is a special case.) The dispersion in the Hubble diagram in JHK is only ~0.15 mag. The near-infrared properties of Type Ia supernovae continue to be excellent measures of the luminosity distances to the supernova host galaxies, due to the need for only small corrections from the epoch of observation to maximum light, low dispersion in absolute magnitudes at maximum light, and the minimal reddening effects in the near-infrared.

The late-time light curve of the type Ia supernova 2000cx

Abstract: We have conducted a systematic and comprehensive monitoring programme of the type Ia supernova 2000cx at late phases using the VLT and HST. The VLT observations cover phases 360 to 480 days past maximum brightness and include photometry in the BVRIJH bands, together with a single epoch in each of U and Ks. While the optical bands decay by about 1.4 mag per 100 days, we find that the near-IR magnitudes stay virtually constant during the observed period. This means that the importance of the near-IR to the bolometric light curve increases with time. The finding is also in agreement with our detailed modeling of a type Ia supernova in the nebular phase. In these models, the increased importance of the near-IR is a temperature effect. We note that this complicates late-time studies where often only the V band is well monitored. In particular, it is not correct to assume that any optical band follows the bolometric light curve at these phases, and any conclusions based on such assumptions, e.g., regarding positron-escape, must be regarded as premature. A very simple model where all positrons are trapped can reasonably well account for the observations. The nickel mass deduced from the positron tail of this light curve is lower than found from the peak brightness, providing an estimate of the fraction of late-time emission that is outside of the observed wavelength range. Our detailed models show the signature of an infrared catastrophe at these epochs, which is not supported by the observations.

Rotation and variability of very low mass stars and brown dwarfs near Epsilon Ori

Abstract: We explore the rotation and activity of very low mass (VLM) objects by means of a photometric variability study. Our targets in the vicinity of Epsilon Ori belong to the OriOB1b population in the Orion star-forming complex. In this region we selected 143 VLM stars and brown dwarfs (BDs), whose photometry in RIJHK is consistent with membership of the young population. The variability of these objects was investigated using a densely sampled I-band time series covering four consecutive nights with altogether 129 data points per object. Our targets show three types of variability: Thirty objects, including nine BDs, show significant photometric periods, ranging from 4h up to 100h, which we interpret as the rotation periods. Five objects, including two BDs, exhibit variability with high amplitudes up to 1 mag which is at least partly irregular. This behaviour is most likely caused by ongoing accretion and confirms that VLM objects undergo a T Tauri phase similar to solar-mass stars. Finally, one VLM star shows a strong flare event of 0.3 mag amplitude. The rotation periods show dependence on mass, i.e. the average period decreases with decreasing object mass, consistent with previously found mass-period relationships in younger and older clusters. The period distribution of BDs extends down to the breakup period, where centrifugal and gravitational forces are balanced. Combining our BD periods with literature data, we found that the lower period limit for substellar objects lies between 2h and 4h, more or less independent of age. Contrary to stars, these fast rotating BDs seem to evolve at constant rotation period from ages of 3 Myr to 1 Gyr, in spite of the contraction process. Thus, they should experience strong rotational braking.

Optical and Infrared Photometry of the Nearby Type Ia Supernovae 1999ee, 2000bh, 2000ca, and 2001ba

Abstract: We present near-infrared photometry of the Type Ia supernova (SN) 1999ee; also, optical and infrared photometry of the Type Ia SNe 2000bh, 2000ca, and 2001ba For SNe 1999ee and 2000bh, we present the first-ever SN photometry at 1035 μm (the Y band) We present K-corrections that transform the infrared photometry in the observer's frame to the supernova rest frame Using our infrared K-corrections and stretch factors derived from optical photometry, we construct JHK templates that can be used to determine the apparent magnitudes at maximum if one has some data in the window -12 to +10 days with respect to T(Bmax) Following up previous work on the uniformity of V minus IR loci of Type Ia supernovae of midrange decline rates, we present unreddened loci for slow decliners We also discuss evidence for a continuous change of color at a given epoch as a function of decline rate

Long-term IR Photometry of Seyferts

Abstract: Long-term (up to 10000d) monitoring has been undertaken for 41 Seyferts in the near-IR (JHKL). All but 2 showed variability, with K ampl in the range 1.1 mags. The timescale for detectable change is from about one week to a few years. A simple cross-correlation study shows evidence for delays of up to several hundred days between the variations seen at the shortest wavelengths and the longest in many galaxies. In particular, the data for F9 now extend to twice the interval covered earlier and the delay between its UV and IR outputs persists. An analysis of the fluxes shows that, for any given galaxy, the colours of the variable component are usually independent of the level of activity. The state of activity can be parameterized. Taken over the whole sample, the colours of the variable components fall within moderately narrowly defined ranges. In particular, the H-K colour is appropriate to a black body of temperature 1600K. The H-K excess for a heavily reddened nucleus can be determined and used to find E_{B-V}, which can be compared to the values found from the visible region broad line fluxes. Using flux-flux diagrams, the flux within the aperture from the underlying galaxy can often be determined without the need for model surface brightness profiles. In many galaxies it is apparent that here must be an additional constant contribution from warm dust.

The Distances to Open Clusters as Derived from Main-Sequence Fitting. II. Construction of Empirically Calibrated Isochrones

Abstract: We continue our series of papers on open cluster distances by comparing multicolor photometry of single stars in the Hyades with theoretical isochrones constructed with various color-temperature relations After verifying that the isochrone effective temperatures agree well with spectroscopically determined values, we argue that mismatches between the photometry and the theoretical colors likely arise from systematic errors in the color-temperature relations We then describe a method for empirically correcting the isochrones to match the photometry and discuss the dependence of the isochrone luminosity on metallicity

Photometric observations of the Type Ia SN 2002er in UGC 10743

Abstract: Extensive light and colour curves for the Type Ia supernova SN 2002er are presented as part of the European Supernova Collaboration. We have collected UBV RI photometry from ten different telescopes covering the phases from 7 days before until 619 days after maximum light. Corrections for the different instrumental systems and the nonthermal spectrum of the supernova (S-corrections) have been applied. With the densely sampled light curves we can make detailed comparisons to other well-observed objects. SN 2002er most closely resembles SN 1996X after maximum, but clearly shows a different colour evolution before peak light and a stronger shoulder in V and R bands compared to other well-observed SNe Ia. In particular, the rise time appears to be longer than what is expected from rise-time vs.decline-rate relation. We use several methods to determine the reddening towards SN 2002er based on the colour evolution at near peak and at late phases. The uvoir (bolometric) light curve shows great similarity with SN 1996X, but also indications of a higher luminosity, longer rise time and a more pronounced shoulder 25 days past maximum. The interpretation of the light curves was done with two independent light curve codes. Both find that given the luminosity of SN 2002er the 56 Ni mass exceeds 0.6 M⊙ with prefered values near 0.7 M⊙. Uncertainties in the exact distance to SN 2002er are the most serious limitation of this measurement. The light curve modelling also indicates a high level of mixing of the nickel in the explosion of SN 2002er.

The distance to the Pleiades from orbital solution of the double-lined eclipsing binary HD 23642

Abstract: Combining precise B, V photometry and radial velocities, we have been able to derive a firm orbital solution and accurate physical parameters for the newly discovered eclipsing binary HD 23642 in the Pleiades open cluster. The resulting distance to the binary and therefore to the cluster is 132 ± 2 pc. This closely confirms the distance modulus obtained by classical main sequence fitting methods (m - M = 5.60 or 132 pc), moving cluster techniques and the astrometric orbit of Atlas. This is the first time the distance to a member of the Pleiades is derived by orbital solution of a double-lined eclipsing binary, and it is intended to contribute to the ongoing discussion about the discordant Hipparcos distance to the cluster.

Faint High-Latitude Carbon Stars Discovered by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey: An Initial Catalog

Abstract: A search of more than 3000 deg2 of high-latitude sky by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey has yielded 251 faint high-latitude carbon stars (FHLCs), the large majority previously uncataloged. We present homogeneous spectroscopy, photometry, and astrometry for the sample. The objects lie in the 15.6 < r < 20.8 range and exhibit a wide variety of apparent photospheric temperatures, ranging from spectral types near M to as early as F. Proper-motion measurements for 222 of the objects show that at least 50%, and quite probably more than 60%, of these objects are actually low-luminosity dwarf carbon (dC) stars, in agreement with a variety of recent, more limited investigations that show that such objects are the numerically dominant type of star with C2 in the spectrum. This SDSS homogeneous sample of ~110 dC stars now constitutes 90% of all known carbon dwarfs and will grow by another factor of 2–3 by the completion of the survey. As the spectra of the dC and the faint halo giant C stars are very similar (at least at spectral resolution of 103), despite a difference of 10 mag in luminosity, it is imperative that simple luminosity discriminants other than proper motion be developed. We use our enlarged sample of FHLCs to examine a variety of possible luminosity criteria, including many previously suggested, and find that, with certain important caveats, JHK photometry may segregate dwarfs and giants.

Photometric variability of young brown dwarfs in the sigma Orionis open cluster

Abstract: We have carried out multi-epoch, time-series differential I-band photometry of a large sample of objects in the south-east region of the young (~3 Myr), nearby (~350 pc) sigma Orionis open cluster. A field of ~1000 arcmin^2 was monitored during four nights over a period of two years. Using this dataset, we have studied the photometric variability of twenty-eight brown dwarf cluster candidates with masses ranging from the stellar-substellar boundary down to the planetary-mass domain. We have found that about 50% of the sample show photometric variability on timescales from less than one hour to several days and years. The amplitudes of the I-band light curves range from less than 0.01 up to ~0.4 magnitudes. A correlation between the near-infrared excess in the K_s band, strong Halpha emission and large-amplitude photometric variation is observed. We briefly discuss how these results may fit the different scenarios proposed to explain the variability of cool and ultracool dwarfs (i.e. magnetic spots, patchy obscuration by dust clouds, surrounding accretion discs and binarity). Additionally, we have determined tentative rotational periods in the range 3 to 40 h for three objects with masses around 60 M_Jup, and the rotational velocity of 14+/-4 km/s for one of them.

Faint High-Latitude Carbon Stars Discovered by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey: An Initial Catalog

Abstract: A search of more than 3,000 square degrees of high latitude sky by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey has yielded 251 faint high-latitude carbon stars (FHLCs), the large majority previously uncataloged. We present homogeneous spectroscopy, photometry, and astrometry for the sample. The objects lie in the 15.6 < r < 20.8 range, and exhibit a wide variety of apparent photospheric temperatures, ranging from spectral types near M to as early as F. Proper motion measurements for 222 of the objects show that at least 50%, and quite probably more than 60%, of these objects are actually low luminosity dwarf carbon (dC) stars, in agreement with a variety of recent, more limited investigations which show that such objects are the numerically dominant type of star with C_2 in the spectrum. This SDSS homogeneous sample of ~110 dC stars now constitutes 90% of all known carbon dwarfs, and will grow by another factor of 2-3 by the completion of the Survey. As the spectra of the dC and the faint halo giant C stars are very similar (at least at spectral resolution of 1,000) despite a difference of 10 mag in luminosity, it is imperative that simple luminosity discriminants other than proper motion be developed. We use our enlarged sample of FHLCs to examine a variety of possible luminosity criteria, including many previously suggested, and find that, with certain important caveats, JHK photometry may segregate dwarfs and giants.

The supernova associated with GRB 031203: Smarts optical-infrared light curves from 0.2 to 92 days

Abstract: Optical and infrared monitoring of the afterglow site of gamma-ray burst GRB 031203 has revealed a brightening source embedded in the host galaxy, which we attribute to the presence of a supernova (SN) related to the GRB ("SN 2003lw"). We present details of the discovery and evolution of SN 2003lw from 0.2 to 92 days after the GRB, derived from SMARTS consortium photometry in I and J bands. GRB 031203 was an intrinsically faint GRB, and the optical light curve is dominated by the SN after the first few days. A template Type Ic light curve, constructed from SN 1998bw photometry, is consistent with the peak brightness of SN 2003lw, although the light curves are not identical. Differential astrometry reveals that the SN, and hence the GRB, occurred less than 300 h pc (3 σ) from the apparent galaxy center.

Mass and light in the supercluster of galaxies MS0302+17

Abstract: We investigate the supercluster MS0302+17 (z ≈ 0.42) using weak lensing analysis and deep wide field BVR photometry with the CFH12K camera. Using (B-V) vs. (V-R) evolution tracks we identify early-type members of the supercluster, and foreground ellipticals. We derive a R band catalogue of background galaxies for weak lensing analysis. We compute the correlation functions of light and mass and their cross-correlation and test if light traces mass on supercluster, cluster and galaxy scales. We show that the data are consistent with this assertion. The ζ-statistic applied in regions close to cluster centers and global correlation analyses over the whole field converge toward the simple relation M/L=300±30 h70 (M/L)⊙ in the B band. This independently confirms the earlier results obtained by \citet{Kaiser98}. If we model dark matter halos around each early-type galaxy by a truncated isothermal sphere, we find that a linear relation M∝ L still holds. In this case, the average halo truncation radius is s* ⪉ 200 h-170kpc close to clusters cores whereas it reaches a lower limit of ˜300 h-170kpc at the periphery. This change of s* as a function of radial distance may be interpreted as a result of tidal stripping of early type galaxies. Nevertheless the lack of information on the spatial distribution of late-type galaxies affects such conclusions concerning variations of s*. Though all the data at hand are clearly consistent with the assumption that mass is faithfully traced by light from early-type galaxies, we are not able to describe in detail the contribution of late type galaxies. We however found it to be small. Forthcoming wide surveys in UV, visible, and near infrared wavelengths will provide large enough samples to extend this analysis to late-type galaxies using photometric redshifts. Based on observations obtained at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) which is operated by the National Research Council of Canada, the Institut des Sciences de l'Univers of the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and the University of Hawaii. Catalogue is only available in electronic form at the CDS via anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/cgi-bin/qcat?J/A+A/422/407

Recent star formation in nearby galaxies from GALEX imaging:M101 and M51

Abstract: The GALEX (Galaxy Evolution Explorer) Nearby Galaxies Survey is providing deep far-UV and near-UV imaging for a representative sample of galaxies in the local universe. We present early results for M51 and M101, from GALEX UV imaging and SDSS optical data in five bands. The multi-band photometry of compact stellar complexes in M101 is compared to population synthesis models, to derive ages, reddening, reddening-corrected luminosities and current/initial masses. The GALEX UV photometry provides a complete census of young compact complexes on a approximately 160pc scale. A galactocentric gradient of the far-UV - near-UV color indicates younger stellar populations towards the outer parts of the galaxy disks, the effect being more pronounced in M101 than in M51.