Follow-up Gemini Observations of New Dust Production in V838 Monocerotis
PI:
John Wisniewski
Co-I(s):
Karen Bjorkman, Mark Clampin, Richard Barry, Howard Bond, Suzanne Hawley, Adam Kowalski, Sarah Schmidt
Abstract
The eruptive variable V838 Monocerotis gained noteriety in 2002 when it experienced three consecutive, massive photometric eruptions and subsequently developed a magnificent light echo. Intensive monitoring by ground- and space-based observatories have traced the dramatic evolution of the object since its eruptions. 2007 Gemini Michelle photometric observations revealed the first clear evidence that new circumstellar dust is condensing from the 2002 outburst material (Wisniewski et al 2008). We request 2.17 hours of Gemini DD time to a) trace the evolution of this dust production event, and b) determine the chemical make-up of this newly formed dust.
Publications using this program's data
[data][ADS] The Continued Optical to Mid-Infrared Evolution of V838 Monocerotis