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A. K. Mainzer (JPL), T. L. Roellig (NASA Ames), J. E. Van Cleve (Ball Aerospace), G. C. Sloan (Cornell), J. C. Wilson (University of Virginia), D. Saumon (LANL), S. K. Leggett (UKIRT/JAC), M. S. Marley (NASA Ames), M. Cushing (University of Hawaii), J. D. Kirkpatrick (IPAC), J. R. Houck (Cornell), IRS GTO Dim Suns Team
We present the first mid-infrared spectra of M, L, and T dwarf objects. These objects, including the M3.5 dwarf GJ 1001A, the L6/8 dwarf DEN0255-4700, and the T1/T6 binary system eps Indi Ba/Bb, show marked changes in their mid-infrared spectra with spectral class. We compare our results to models which include the effects of atmospheric structures and effective temperatures. All of the objects' models fit their observed spectra very well with only minor deviations. By taking advantage of the unprecedented sensitivity of the Spitzer Space Telescope's IRS instrument, we have detected for the first time the 7.6 micron methane band. In addition, we unambiguously confirm the presence of ammonia in a T dwarf atmosphere. This work is based on observations made with the Spitzer Space Telescope, which is operated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology under NASA contract 1407. Support for this work was provided by NASA through an award issued by JPL/Caltech.
The author(s) of this abstract have provided an email address for comments about the abstract: amanda.mainzer@jpl.nasa.gov
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 36 #2
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