Accession Number:

ADA614922

Title:

Spots and White Light Flares in an L Dwarf

Descriptive Note:

Journal article

Corporate Author:

DELAWARE UNIV NEWARK DEPT OF PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY

Personal Author(s):

• Gizis, J. E.
• Burgasser, A. J.
• Berger, E.
• Williams, P. K.
• Vrba, F. J.
• Cruz, K. L.
• Metchev, S.

Report Date:

2013-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

5.0

Abstract:

We present a summary of Kepler and supporting observations of a nearby L1 dwarf. We find periodic 8.9 hour variations with an amplitude of 1.5. The surface features have remained consistent for 15 months. Magnetic starspots are a plausible explanation, but a cloud-related feature is also possible. We also detect white light flares as powerful as the strongest solar flares, despite the low temperature of the photosphere.

Descriptors:

• *DWARF STARS
• ATMOSPHERES
• FLARES
• PHOTOSPHERE
• WHITE LIGHT

Subject Categories:

• Astronomy

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE