Program: GS-2009B-Q-45

Young nearby associations provide a crucial sample of stars for studying the local star formation history, investigating the early phases of planet formation, and searching for exoplanets through direct imaging. While numerous new associations have been identified in the last decade, their members are mostly restricted to relatively massive F, G and K stars. As part of the SIMP infrared proper motion survey, we have identified 125 highly probable young low-mass (>K7) members of the Beta Pictoris moving group, and the Tucana-Horologium and AB Doradus associations. All stars show prominent Halpha and X-ray emission, but measuring their radial velocity is further required to confirm their membership. We propose to use PHOENIX to measure the radial velocity of 59 southern candidates available this semester. Our program could significantly improve (roughly double) the census of BetaPic, Tuc/Hor and AB Dor. Once their membership is confirmed, this new sample of young low-mass stars will provide ideal targets for direct imaging search of exoplanets with NICI and GPI.