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ROSAT X-ray detection of a young brown dwarf in the chamaeleon I dark cloud
1R. Neuhauser, Max-Planck-Institut fur Extraterrestrische Physik, D-85740 Garching, Germany. E-mail: rne@mpe.mpg.de F. Comeron, European Southern Observatory, D-85748 Garching, Germany.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|October 2, 1998
Summary
X-ray emission detected from the young brown dwarf Cha Halpha 1 suggests magnetic activity. This finding provides insights into the behavior of brown dwarfs in star-forming regions.
Area of Science:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Stellar Evolution
- Exoplanet Research
Background:
- Brown dwarfs are substellar objects not massive enough to sustain nuclear fusion.
- The Chamaeleon I star-forming cloud is a nearby region known for young stellar objects.
- Late M-type stars exhibit X-ray emission, often linked to magnetic activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the young brown dwarf Cha Halpha 1.
- To investigate the presence and nature of X-ray emission from Cha Halpha 1.
- To explore potential magnetic activity in brown dwarfs.
Main Methods:
- Photometry and spectroscopy were used to determine the object's properties.
- X-ray observations were conducted using the Rontgen Satellite (ROSAT).
- Analysis of X-ray photons to calculate luminosity and luminosity ratios.
Main Results:
- Cha Halpha 1 identified as a ~10^6-year-old brown dwarf (spectral type M7.5-M8, 0.04 solar masses).
- Quiescent X-ray emission detected with a significance of 9 sigma.
- Calculated X-ray luminosity (2.57 x 10^28 ergs/sec) and X-ray to bolometric luminosity ratio (10^-3.44) are typical for late M-type stars.
Conclusions:
- The detected X-ray emission from Cha Halpha 1 is consistent with magnetic activity.
- Brown dwarfs, similar to convective late-type stars, may exhibit magnetic activity.
- This study contributes to understanding the physical processes occurring in young brown dwarfs.