Beyond the Hydrogen-burning limit: Deep IR observations of the Globular Clusters M4
Abstract
We propose to use ultra-deep near-infrared imaging with WFC3 in M4 to explore the very lowest mass domain in this globular cluster. We expect to detect the first brown dwarfs in globular clusters, and in fact perhaps the first PopII BDs anywhere. In doing so, we will also explore the hydrogen-burning limit and determine the mass-luminosity relationship around the stellar/sub-stellar border of the main sequence. In addition we will search the cluster white dwarfs for evidence of infrared excess which could herald the presence of a planetary disk or planets themselves. This ultra-deep near-IR data set will allow us to test fundamental physical predictions quantitatively for the first time. This will have important consequences for many astrophysical aspects from stellar structure and evolution, to planet formation in the early Universe, to ages, formation and evolution of GCs.
- Publication:
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HST Proposal
- Pub Date:
- October 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011hst..prop12602D