2014ApJ...787....5N -
Astrophys. J., 787, 5 (2014/May-3)
Discovery of a wide planetary-mass companion to the young M3 star GU Psc.
NAUD M.-E., ARTIGAU E., MALO L., ALBERT L., DOYON R., LAFRENIERE D., GAGNE J., SAUMON D., MORLEY C.V., ALLARD F., HOMEIER D., BEICHMAN C.A., GELINO C.R. and BOUCHER A.
Abstract (from CDS):
We present the discovery of a comoving planetary-mass companion ∼42'' (∼2000 AU) from a young M3 star, GU Psc, a likely member of the young AB Doradus Moving Group (ABDMG). The companion was first identified via its distinctively red i - z color (>3.5) through a survey made with Gemini-S/GMOS. Follow-up Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope/WIRCam near-infrared (NIR) imaging, Gemini-N/GNIRS NIR spectroscopy and Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer photometry indicate a spectral type of T3.5±1 and reveal signs of low gravity which we attribute to youth. Keck/Adaptive Optics NIR observations did not resolve the companion as a binary. A comparison with atmosphere models indicates Teff= 1000-1100 K and log g = 4.5-5.0. Based on evolution models, this temperature corresponds to a mass of 9-13 MJup for the age of ABDMG (70-130 Myr). The relatively well-constrained age of this companion and its very large angular separation to its host star will allow its thorough characterization and will make it a valuable comparison for planetary-mass companions that will be uncovered by forthcoming planet-finder instruments such as Gemini Planet Imager and SPHERE.
Abstract Copyright:
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Journal keyword(s):
infrared: planetary systems - planetary systems - planets and satellites: detection - stars: imaging - stars: individual: GU Psc - stars: low-mass
Simbad objects:
47
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