New T Tauri stars in the vicinity of TW Hydrae

We report the discovery of four weak-line T Tauri star candidates in the vicinity of the TW Hydrae association, the closest known region of recent star formation. Three stars are probably association members. They exhibit high Lithium abundances, M spectral types, and a high level of chromospheric and coronal activity. Two of them form a binary system. They also share a consistent radial velocity with previously known members of the association. A fourth candidate T Tauri star is of earlier spectral type, has a weaker Lithium absorption feature, and a different radial velocity, and is probably located in the background of the association. Our findings support the idea that the isolated T Tauri stars in that region belong to a physical association around TW Hydrae. Based on observations obtained at the European Southern Observatory, La Silla, Chile under proposal number 60.C-0170