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arXiv · 1903.06691

Astro2020 White Paper: The L/T Transition

Johanna M. Vos·Katelyn Allers·Daniel Apai·Beth Biller·Adam Burgasser·Jacqueline Faherty·Jonathan Gagné·Christiane Helling·Caroline Morley·Jacqueline Radigan·Adam Showman·Xianyu Tan·Pascal Tremblin
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Abstract

The L/T transition is an important evolutionary phase in brown dwarf atmospheres, providing us with a unique opportunity to explore the effects of clouds, convection, winds, gravity and metallicity across a very narrow temperature range. Understanding these physical processes is critical for understanding ultracool atmospheres. In the next decade, we will answer three key questions regarding L/T transition atmospheres: 1. What is the physical mechanism behind the L/T transition? 2. What is the spatial extent of atmospheric structures at the L/T transition? 3. How do gravity and metallicity affect the L/T transition? The theory and methods developed for brown dwarfs will be used in the 2030s and beyond for solar-system age giant exoplanets and eventually habitable zone earth analogues. Developing these techniques now are crucial.

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Johanna M. Vos, Katelyn Allers, Daniel Apai, Beth Biller, Adam Burgasser, Jacqueline Faherty, Jonathan Gagné, Christiane Helling, Caroline Morley, Jacqueline Radigan, Adam Showman, Xianyu Tan, Pascal Tremblin. 2019-03-15. Astro2020 White Paper: The L/T Transition. https://arxiv.org/abs/1903.06691

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