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Methane and the Spectra of T Dwarfs

Derek Homeier, Peter H. Hauschildt, France Allard

astro-pharXiv:astro-ph/0209171

Abstract

We have updated our PHOENIX model atmospheres and theoretical spectra for ultracool dwarfs with new opacity data for methane based on line strength predictions with the STDS software. By extending the line list to rotational levels of J=40 we can significantly improve the shape of the near-IR absorption features of CH4, and in addition find an enhanced blanketing effect, resulting in up to 50% more flux emerging in the J band than seen in previous models, which may thus contribute to the brightening in J and blue IR colors observed in T dwarfs.

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