An Adaptive Optics search for Low Mass Companions in the Ursa Major Stream
Abstract
We report the current status of an ongoing search for low mass companions in the Ursa Major stream using the U. of Hawaii adaptive optics (AO) system, Hokupa'a, and the CFHT user AO instrument, PUEO. The high spatial resolution (FWHMH=0.12 arcsec), high dynamic range (107 at 3 arcsec) AO images of more than half of the Ursa Majoris stream have been obtained in a search for faint companions to these nearby ( 25pc), young ( 0.3 Gyr) stars. The data from these observations were image processed and Fourier filtered to enhance point source detection in real time at the telescope using a quick reduction software package written in IDL. The faint point sources detected in the field are compared to a star count model of the galaxy which estimates their probability as background stars.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 1999
- Bibcode:
- 1999AAS...19510905P