Beyond M: Ultracool dwarfs in the Solar Neighbourhood
Abstract
Description
I review the optical and near-infrared spectral characteristics of the extremely cool dwarfs grouped under the new classification of type L. These include both very low-mass stars and brown dwarfs, and we discuss the likely temperature range. Finally, we consider the frequency of binaries amongst very low-mass dwarfs, and the implications for formation mechanisms.
20 pages, 14 figures (2 as gif files); Review talk at Galactic Structure, Stars and the ISM Conference (Grand Teton, May, 2000). arXiv admin note: figure 11 is correct.
20 pages, 14 figures (2 as gif files); Review talk at Galactic Structure, Stars and the ISM Conference (Grand Teton, May, 2000). arXiv admin note: figure 11 is correct.