arXiv subjects

Gregory Mace

Publications and source records attributed to Gregory Mace.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Silicate Clouds, SiO, and Molecular Trends across the L-T Sequence: A JWST/MIRI LRS Spectral Library of Brown Dwarfs

We present the results of a survey program with JWST's MIRI LRS that obtained 5$-$14 $\mu$m R~100 spectra of twenty-three L0$-$T6 dwarfs. This spectral type range spans the formation, growth, and sedimentation of silicate condensate clouds, as well as the appearance of methane and ammonia in the atmospheres of brown dwarfs. The initial onset of silicate absorption at spectral type L0 as well as the evolution of this feature with spectral type are both examined in unprecedented detail. We detect 7.5$-$9.5 $\mu$m gas-phase SiO absorption for the first time in dwarf stars, with detections in M5.5$-$L2.5 dwarfs from combined Spitzer IRS and JWST spectra. This feature has previously been detected in K and M giants, with stronger absorption in these giants than in higher-gravity M dwarfs. In contrast, low-gravity L dwarfs show weaker SiO absorption than field-gravity L dwarfs. We also confirm water, ammonia, and methane absorption trends with spectral type previously seen in Spitzer IRS observations. We report the possible detection of CS2 in a T3.5 dwarf, although confirmation would require higher-dispersion spectroscopy. We find two newly resolved binaries, confirm two near-equal flux unresolved candidate binaries, and identify two additional possible non-equal flux binaries. After accounting for contamination by resolved and candidate binaries, we find that single field dwarfs are ~0.15$-$0.20 mag underluminous compared to existing empirical relations. The presented spectral library offers a spectrophotometrically calibrated basis for future interpretation of JWST MIRI spectra of brown dwarfs or of directly imaged or transiting exoplanets.

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arXiv2026

The Case for High-Resolution Infrared Spectroscopy with the Habitable Worlds Observatory

A high-resolution near-IR spectroscopy capability on the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) could strongly and efficiently advance many of the mission's goals. The technical barriers that made such a capability unfeasible on previous missions have largely been eliminated. Many HWO science case development documents require high spectral resolution in the IR and others would benefit significantly from it. High resolution improves the detectability of weak, unresolved features, aids identification of those features and provides additional information about radial velocity and line shape. It will be significantly easier to remove contaminating stellar features from high-resolution data. Silicon diffractive optics, immersion gratings and grisms, together with the new generation of low-noise, low dark-current avalanche photodiode arrays, make it possible to design a very compact high-resolution spectrograph that can cover the entire 1.1-2.0 micron band in a single exposure that would realize all of these advantages. We outline here the case for such an instrument and the technology development pathway needed to mature it in preparation for the HWO mission.

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arXiv2025

Rubidium Abundances in Cool Giants from High-Resolution H-band Spectra: A New Diagnostic for Galactic Chemical Evolution

The Galactic Center and inner disk of the Milky Way contain complex stellar populations obscured by heavy dust extinction. To study their chemical composition, high-resolution near-infrared (near-IR) spectroscopy is necessary. Expanding the set of elements measurable in the near-IR, especially neutron-capture elements, improves our ability to trace nucleosynthesis and Galactic chemical evolution. This work aims to identify and characterize a spectral line suitable for determining rubidium (Rb) abundances. Rb is produced in roughly equal parts by the r- and s-processes. We analyze high-resolution (R = 45,000) IGRINS near-IR spectra of 40 M giants in the solar neighborhood, most observed with Gemini South. We perform spectral synthesis of the Rb I line at 15289.48 A, using new log(gf) values and including an astrophysical calibration of the blending Fe I lines. The resulting [Rb/Fe] ratios are compared to other neutron-capture elements and interpreted with chemical evolution models. We demonstrate that the used Rb line is a reliable abundance indicator in M giants and the coolest K giants, but becomes too weak at higher temperatures. [Rb/Fe] shows a decreasing trend with metallicity, mirroring that of ytterbium (Yb), another mixed r-/s-process element. Our results agree with optical studies, validating the use of this near-IR line. Comparisons with chemical evolution models confirm that both s- and r-process sources are needed to explain the Rb trend. This work adds Rb to the list of elements measurable in high-resolution H- and K-band spectra, enabling studies of one more neutron-capture element in dust-obscured regions like the Galactic Center and inner disk.

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arXiv2025

The JWST weather report from the nearest brown dwarfs II: Consistent variability mechanisms over 7 months revealed by 1-14 $\mu$m NIRSpec + MIRI monitoring of WISE 1049AB

We present a new epoch of JWST spectroscopic variability monitoring of the benchmark binary brown dwarf WISE 1049AB, the closest, brightest brown dwarfs known. Our 8-hour MIRI low resolution spectroscopy (LRS) and 7-hour NIRSpec prism observations extended variability measurements for any brown dwarfs beyond 11 $\mu$m for the first time, reaching up to 14 $\mu$m. Combined with the previous epoch in 2023, they set the longest JWST weather monitoring baseline to date. We found that both WISE 1049AB show wavelength-dependent light curve behaviours. Using a robust k-means clustering algorithm, we identified several clusters of variability behaviours associated with three distinct pressure levels. By comparing to a general circulation model (GCM), we identified the possible mechanisms that drive the variability at these pressure levels: Patchy clouds rotating in and out of view likely shaped the dramatic light curves in the deepest layers between 1-2.5 $\mu$m, whereas hot spots arising from temperature / chemical variations of molecular species likely dominate the high-altitude levels between 2.5-3.6 $\mu$m and 4.3-8.5 $\mu$m. Small-grain silicates potentially contributed to the variability of WISE 1049A at 8.5-11 $\mu$m. While distinct atmospheric layers are governed by different mechanisms, we confirmed for the first time that each variability mechanism remains consistent within its layer over the long term. Future multi-period observations will further test the stability of variability mechanisms on this binary, and expanded JWST variability surveys across the L-T-Y sequence will allow us to trace and understand variability mechanisms across a wider population of brown dwarfs and planetary-mass objects.

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arXiv2025

The First Chemical Census the Milky Way's Nuclear Star Cluster

An important step in understanding the formation and evolution of the Nuclear Star Cluster (NSC) is to investigate its chemistry and chemical evolution. Additionally, exploring the relationship of the NSC to the other structures in the Galactic Center and the Milky Way disks is of great interest. Extreme optical extinction has previously prevented optical studies, but near-IR high-resolution spectroscopy is now possible. Here, we present a detailed chemical abundance analysis of 19 elements - more than four times as many as previously published - for 9 stars in the NSC of the Milky Way, observed with the IGRINS spectrometer on the Gemini South telescope. This study provides new, crucial observational evidence to shed light on the origin of the NSC. We demonstrate that it is possible to probe a variety of nucleosynthetic channels, reflecting different chemical evolution timescales. Our findings reveal that the NSC trends for the elements F, Mg, Al, Si, S, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn, as well as the s-process elements Ba, Ce, Nd, and Yb, generally follow the inner bulge trends within uncertainties. This suggests a likely shared evolutionary history and our results indicate that the NSC population is consistent with the chemical sequence observed in the inner Galaxy (the inner-disk sequence). However, we identify a significant and unexplained difference in the form of higher Na abundances in the NSC compared to the inner-bulge. This is also observed in few Galactic globular clusters, and may suggest a common enrichment process at work in all these systems.

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arXiv2024

Leaning Sideways: VHS 1256-1257 b is a Super-Jupiter with a Uranus-like Obliquity

We constrain the angular momentum architecture of VHS J125601.92-125723.9, a 140 $\pm$ 20 Myr old hierarchical triple system composed of a low-mass binary and a widely-separated planetary-mass companion VHS 1256 b. VHS 1256 b has been a prime target for multiple characterization efforts, revealing the highest measured substellar photometric variability to date and the presence of silicate clouds and disequilibrium chemistry. Here we add a key piece to the characterization of this super-Jupiter on a Tatooine-like orbit; we measure its spin-axis tilt relative to its orbit, i.e. the obliquity of VHS 1256 b. We accomplish this by combining three measurements. We find a projected rotation rate $v \sin{i_p} = 8.7 \pm 0.1 \,\mathrm{km~s^{-1}}$ for VHS 1256 b using near-IR high-resolution spectra from Gemini/IGRINS. Combining this with a published photometric rotation period indicates that the companion is viewed edge-on, with a line-of-sight spin axis inclination of $i_{\rm p} = 90^\circ \pm 18^\circ$. We refit available astrometry measurements to confirm an orbital inclination of $i_{\rm o} = 23 \substack{+10 \\ -13}^\circ$. Taken together, VHS 1256 b has a large planetary obliquity of $\psi = 90^\circ \pm 25^\circ$. In total, we have three measured angular momentum vectors for the system: the binary orbit normal, companion orbit normal, and companion spin axis. All three are misaligned with respect to each other. Although VHS 1256 b is tilted like Uranus, their origins are distinct. We rule out planet-like scenarios including collisions and spin-orbit resonances, and suggest that top-down formation via core/filament fragmentation is promising.

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arXiv2024

The JWST Weather Report from the Nearest Brown Dwarfs I: multi-period JWST NIRSpec + MIRI monitoring of the benchmark binary brown dwarf WISE 1049AB

We report results from 8 hours of JWST/MIRI LRS spectroscopic monitoring directly followed by 7 hours of JWST/NIRSpec prism spectroscopic monitoring of the benchmark binary brown dwarf WISE 1049AB, the closest, brightest brown dwarfs known. We find water, methane, and CO absorption features in both components, including the 3.3 $\mu$m methane absorption feature and a tentative detection of small grain ($<$ 1$\mu$m) silicate absorption at $>$8.5 $\mu$m in WISE 1049A. Both components vary significantly ($>$1$\%$), with WISE 1049B displaying larger variations than WISE 1049A. Using K-means clustering, we find three main transition points in wavelength for both components of the binary: 1) change in behavior at $\sim$2.3 $\mu$m coincident with a CO absorption bandhead, 2) change in behavior at 4.2 $\mu$m, close to the CO fundamental band at $\lambda >$ 4.4 $\mu$m, and 3) change in behavior at 8.3-8.5 $\mu$m, potentially corresponding to silicate absorption. We interpret the lightcurves observed with both NIRSpec and MIRI as likely stemming from 1) a deep pressure level driving the double-peaked variability seen in WISE 1049B at wavelengths $<$2.3 $\mu$m and $>$8.5 $\mu$m, 2) an intermediate pressure level shaping the lightcurve morphology between 2.3 and 4.2 $\mu$m, and 3) a higher-altitude pressure level producing single-peaked and plateaued lightcurve behavior between 4.2 and 8.5 $\mu$m.

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arXiv2024

Composition of Giants 1$^{\circ}$ North of the Galactic Center: Detailed Abundance Trends for 21 Elements Observed with IGRINS

We report the first high resolution, detailed abundances of 21 elements for giants in the Galactic bulge/bar within $1^\circ$ of the Galactic plane, where high extinction has rendered such studies challenging. Our high S/N and high-resolution, near-infrared spectra of 7 M giants in the inner-bulge, located at ($l,b$)=(0,+1$^{\circ}$), are observed using the IGRINS spectrograph. We report the first multi-chemical study of the inner Galactic bulge, by investigating relative to a robust new Solar Neighborhood sample, the abundance trends of 21 elements, including the relatively difficult to study heavy elements. The elements studied are: F, Mg, Si, S, Ca, Na, Al, K, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, Ce, Nd, and Yb. We investigate bulge membership of all seven stars using distances and orbital simulations, and find that the most metal-poor star may be a halo interloper. Our investigation shows that the inner-bulge also as close as $1^\circ$ North of the Galactic Center displays a similarity to the inner disk sequence, following the high [$\alpha$/Fe] envelope of the Solar vicinity metal-rich population, though no firm conclusions for a different enrichment history are evident from this sample. We find a small fraction of metal-poor stars (\feh$<-0.5$) but most of our stars are mainly of super-solar metallicity. Fluorine is found to be enhanced at high metallicity compared to the solar neighbourhood, but confirmation with a larger sample is required. We will apply this approach to explore populations of the Nuclear Stellar Disk and the Nuclear Star Cluster.

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arXiv2021

Discovery of an Edge-on Circumstellar Debris Disk Around BD+45$^{\circ}$598: a Newly Identifed Member of the $\beta$ Pictoris Moving Group

We report the discovery of a circumstellar debris disk viewed nearly edge-on and associated with the young, K1 star BD+45$^{\circ}$598 using high-contrast imaging at 2.2$\mu$m obtained at the W.M.~Keck Observatory. We detect the disk in scattered light with a peak significance of $\sim$5$\sigma$ over three epochs, and our best-fit model of the disk is an almost edge-on $\sim$70 AU ring, with inclination angle $\sim$87$^\circ$. Using the NOEMA interferometer at the Plateau de Bure Observatory operating at 1.3mm, we find resolved continuum emission aligned with the ring structure seen in the 2.2$\mu$m images. We estimate a fractional infrared luminosity of $L_{IR}/L_{tot}$ $\simeq6^{+2}_{-1}$$\times$$10^{-4}$, higher than that of the debris disk around AU Mic. Several characteristics of BD+45$^{\circ}$598, such as its galactic space motion, placement in a color-magnitude diagram, and strong presence of Lithium, are all consistent with its membership in the $\beta$ Pictoris Moving Group with an age of 23$\pm$3 Myr. However, the galactic position for BD+45$^{\circ}$598 is slightly discrepant from previously-known members of the $\beta$ Pictoris Moving Group, possibly indicating an extension of members of this moving group to distances of at least 70pc. BD+45$^{\circ}$598 appears to be an example from a population of young circumstellar debris systems associated with newly identified members of young moving groups that can be imaged in scattered light, key objects for mapping out the early evolution of planetary systems from $\sim$10-100 Myr. This target will also be ideal for northern-hemisphere, high-contrast imaging platforms to search for self-luminous, planetary mass companions residing in this system.

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arXiv2021

Projected Rotational Velocities and Fundamental Properties of Low-Mass Pre-Main Sequence Stars in the Taurus-Auriga Star Forming Region

The projected stellar rotational velocity ($v \sin i$) is critical for our understanding of processes related to the evolution of angular momentum in pre-main sequence stars. We present $v \sin i$ measurements of high-resolution infrared and optical spectroscopy for 70 pre-main sequence stars in the Taurus-Auriga star-forming region, in addition to effective temperatures measured from line-depth ratios, and stellar rotation periods determined from optical photometry. From the literature, we identified the stars in our sample that show evidence of residing in circumstellar disks or multiple systems. The comparison of infrared $v \sin i$ measurements calculated using two techniques shows a residual scatter of $\sim$ 1.8 km s$^{-1}$, defining a typical error floor for the $v \sin i$ of pre-main sequence stars from infrared spectra. A comparison of the $v \sin i$ distributions of stars with and without companions shows that binaries/multiples typically have a higher measured $v \sin i$, which may be caused by contamination by companion lines, shorter disk lifetimes in binary systems, or tidal interactions in hierarchical triples. A comparison of optical and infrared $v \sin i$ values shows no significant difference regardless of whether the star has a disk or not, indicating that CO contamination from the disk does not impact $v \sin i$ measurements above the typical $\sim$ 1.8 km s$^{-1}$ error floor of our measurements. Finally, we observe a lack of a correlation between the $v \sin i$, presence of a disk, and H-R diagram position, which indicates a complex interplay between stellar rotation and evolution of pre-main sequence stars.

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arXiv2020

Precise Blaze Angle Measurements of Lithographically Fabricated Silicon Immersion Gratings

Silicon immersion gratings and grisms enable compact, near-infrared spectrographs with high throughput. These instruments find use in ground-based efforts to characterize stellar and exoplanet atmospheres, and in space-based observatories. Our grating fabrication technique uses x-ray crystallography to orient silicon parts prior to cutting, followed by lithography and wet chemical etching to produce the blaze. This process takes advantage of the crystal structure and relative difference in etching rates between the (100) and (111) planes such that we can produce parts that have surface errors < {\lambda}/4. Previous measurements indicate that chemical etching can yield a final etched blaze that slightly differs from the orientation of the (111) plane. This difference can be corrected by the mechanical mount in the case of the immersion gratings, but doing so may compromise grating throughput due to shadowing. In the case of the grisms, failure to take the actual blaze into account will reduce the brightness of the undeviated ray. We report on multiple techniques to precisely measure the blaze of our in-house fabricated immersion gratings. The first method uses a scanning electron microscope to image the blaze profile, which yields a measurement precision of 0.5 degrees. The second method is an optical method of measuring the angle between blaze faces using a rotation stage, which yields a measurement precision of 0.2 degrees. Finally, we describe a theoretical blaze function modeling method, which we expect to yield a measurement precision of 0.1 degrees. With these methods, we can quantify the accuracy with which the wet etching produces the required blaze and further optimize grating and grism efficiencies.

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arXiv2020

2MASS J04435686+3723033 B: A Young Companion at the Substellar Boundary with Potential Membership in the $\beta$ Pictoris Moving Group

We present a detailed characterization of 2MASS J04435750+3723031, a low-mass companion orbiting the young M2 star, 2MASS J04435686+3723033, at 7.6 arcseconds (550 AU) with potential membership in the 23 Myr $\beta$ Pictoris moving group ($\beta$PMG). Using near-infrared spectroscopy of the companion from IRTF/SpeX we have found a spectral type of M6 $\pm$ 1 and indications of youth through age-sensitive absorption lines and a low surface gravity index (VL-G). A young age is supported by H$\alpha$ emission and lithium absorption in the host. We re-evaluate the membership of this system and find that it is a marginally consistent kinematic match to the $\beta$PMG using $Gaia$ parallaxes and new radial velocities for the host and companion. If this system does belong to the $\beta$PMG, it would be a kinematic outlier and the companion would be over-luminous compared to other similar ultracool objects like PZ Tel B; this would suggest 2M0443+3723 B could be a close brown dwarf binary ($\approx$52+52 M$_\mathrm{Jup}$ if equal-flux, compared with 99 $\pm$ 5 M$_\mathrm{Jup}$ if single), and would make it the sixth substellar companion in this group. To test this hypothesis, we acquired NIR AO images with Keck II/NIRC2, but they do not resolve the companion to be a binary down to the diffraction limit of $\sim$3 AU. If 2M0443+3723 AB does not belong to any moving group then its age is more uncertain. In this case it is still young ($\lesssim$30 Myr), and the implied mass of the companion would be between $\sim$30--110 M$_\mathrm{Jup}$.

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arXiv2020

Fluorine in the solar neighbourhood: the need for several cosmic sources

The cosmic origin of fluorine is still not well constrained. Several nucleosynthetic channels at different phases of stellar evolution have been suggested, but these must be constrained by observations. For this, the fluorine abundance trend with metallicity spanning a wide range is required. Our aim is to determine stellar abundances of fluorine for -1.1<[Fe/H]<+0.4. We determine the abundances from HF lines in infrared K-band spectra (at 2.3 microns) of cool giants, observed with the IGRINS and Phoenix high-resolution spectrographs. We derive accurate stellar parameters for all our observed K giants, which is important since the HF lines are very temperature sensitive. We find that [F/Fe] is flat as a function of metallicity at [F/Fe]~0, but increases as the metallicity increases. The fluorine slope shows a clear secondary behavior in this metallicity range. We also find that the [F/Ce] ratio is relatively flat for -0.6<[Fe/H]<0, and that for two metal-poor ([Fe/H]<-0.8), s-process element enhanced giants, we do not detect an elevated fluorine abundance. We interpret all these observational constraints to indicate that several major processes are at play for the cosmic budget of fluorine over time; from those in massive stars at low metallicities, through the asymptotic giant branch-star contribution at -0.6<[Fe/H]<0, to processes with increasing yields with metallicity at super-solar metallicities. The origins of the latter, and whether or not Wolf-Rayet stars and/or novae could contribute at super-solar metallicities, is currently not known. To quantify these observational results, theoretical modelling is required. More observations in the metal-poor region are required to clarify the processes there.

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arXiv2019

Radial Velocities of Low-mass Candidate TWA Members

Nearby young moving groups provide unique samples of similar age stars for testing the evolution of physical properties. Incomplete and/or incorrect group membership classifications reduce the usefulness of the group, which we assume to be coeval. With near-infrared spectra of two candidate members of the TW Hya Association, 2MASS J12354615$-$4115531 (TWA 46) and 2MASS J12371238$-$4021480 (TWA 47), we test their membership by adding radial velocity measurements to the literature. We find that 2MASS J12354615$-$4115531 is a close spectroscopic binary system with a center-of-mass radial velocity of -6.5$\pm$3.9 km s$^{-1}$. This radial velocity and a $\textit{Gaia}$ parallax produces a TWA membership probability of 41.9$\%$ using the Banyan $\Sigma$ tool for 2MASS J12354615$-$4115531. The spectrum of 2MASS J12371238$-$4021480 shows that it appears to be a single star with a radial velocity consistent with the TW Hya Association and a membership probability of 99.5$\%$. The reduced probability of TWA 46 as a true member of TWA highlights the importance of high-resolution, near-infrared spectra in validating low-mass moving group members.

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arXiv2019

CO Detected in CI Tau b: Hot Start Implied by Planet Mass and M$_K$

We acquired high resolution IR spectra of CI Tau, the host star of one of the few young planet candidates amenable to direct spectroscopic detection. We confirm the planet's existence with a direct detection of CO in the planet's atmosphere. We also calculate a mass of 11.6 M$_J$ based on the amplitude of its radial velocity variations. We estimate its flux contrast with its host star to get an absolute magnitude estimate for the planet of 8.17 in the K band. This magnitude implies the planet formed via a "hot start" formation mechanism. This makes CI Tau b the youngest confirmed exoplanet as well as the first exoplanet around a T Tauri star with a directly determined, model-independent, dynamical mass.

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arXiv2018

High-resolution near-IR Spectral mapping with H$_{2}$ and [Fe II] lines of Multiple Outflows around LkH$\alpha$ 234

We present a high-resolution, near-IR spectroscopic study of multiple outflows in the LkH$\alpha$ 234 star formation region using the Immersion GRating INfrared Spectrometer (IGRINS). Spectral mapping over the blueshifted emission of HH 167 allowed us to distinguish at least three separate, spatially overlapped, outflows in H${_2}$ and [Fe II] emission. We show that the H${_2}$ emission represents not a single jet, but complex multiple outflows driven by three known embedded sources: MM1, VLA 2, and VLA 3. There is a redshifted H${_2}$ outflow at a low velocity, $\VLSR$ $<$ $+$50 {\kms}, with respect to the systemic velocity of $\VLSR$ $=$ $-$11.5 {\kms}, that coincides with the H${_2}$O masers seen in earlier radio observations two arcseconds southwest of VLA 2. We found that the previously detected [Fe II] jet with $|$$\VLSR$$|$ $>$ 100 {\kms} driven by VLA 3B is also detected in H${_2}$ emission, and confirm that this jet has a position angle about 240$\degree$. Spectra of the redshifted knots at 14$\arcsec$$-$65$\arcsec$ northeast of LkH$\alpha$ 234 are presented for the first time. These spectra also provide clues to the existence of multiple outflows. We detected high-velocity (50$-$120 {\kms}) H${_2}$ gas in the multiple outflows around LkH$\alpha$ 234. Since these gases move at speeds well over the dissociation velocity ($>$ 40 {\kms}), the emission must originate from the jet itself rather than H${_2}$ gas in the ambient medium. Also, position-velocity diagrams and excitation diagram indicate that emission from knot C in HH 167 come from two different phenomena, shocks and photodissociation.

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arXiv2017

The Young Substellar Companion ROXs 12 B: Near-Infrared Spectrum, System Architecture, and Spin-Orbit Misalignment

ROXs 12 (2MASS J16262803-2526477) is a young star hosting a directly imaged companion near the deuterium-burning limit. We present a suite of spectroscopic, imaging, and time-series observations to characterize the physical and environmental properties of this system. Moderate-resolution near-infrared spectroscopy of ROXs 12 B from Gemini-North/NIFS and Keck/OSIRIS reveals signatures of low surface gravity including weak alkali absorption lines and a triangular $H$-band pseudo-continuum shape. No signs of Pa$\beta$ emission are evident. As a population, however, we find that about half (46 $\pm$ 14\%) of young ($\lesssim$15 Myr) companions with masses $\lesssim$20 $M_\mathrm{Jup}$ possess actively accreting subdisks detected via Pa$\beta$ line emission, which represents a lower limit on the prevalence of circumplanetary disks in general as some are expected to be in a quiescent phase of accretion. The bolometric luminosity of the companion and age of the host star (6$^{+4}_{-2}$ Myr) imply a mass of 17.5 $\pm$ 1.5 $M_\mathrm{Jup}$ for ROXs 12 B based on hot-start evolutionary models. We identify a wide (5100 AU) tertiary companion to this system, 2MASS J16262774-2527247, which is heavily accreting and exhibits stochastic variability in its $K2$ light curve. By combining $v$sin$i_*$ measurements with rotation periods from $K2$, we constrain the line-of-sight inclinations of ROXs 12 A and 2MASS J16262774-2527247 and find that they are misaligned by 60$^{+7}_{-11}$$^{\circ}$. In addition, the orbital axis of ROXs 12 B is likely misaligned from the spin axis of its host star ROXs 12 A, suggesting that ROXs 12 B formed akin to fragmenting binary stars or in an equatorial disk that was torqued by the wide stellar tertiary.

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arXiv2017

Inner warm disk of ESO H$\alpha$ 279A revealed by NA I and CO overtone emission lines

We present analysis of near-infrared, high-resolution spectroscopy towards the Flat-spectrum YSO (Young Stellar Object) ESO H$\alpha$ 279a (1.5 solar mass) in the Serpens star forming region, at the distance of 429 pc. Using the Immersion GRating INfrared Spectrometer (IGRINS, R=45,000), we detect emission lines originating from the accretion channel flow, jet, and inner disk. Specifically, we identify hydrogen Brackett series recombination, [Fe II], [Fe III], [Fe IV], Ca I, Na I, H2, H2O and CO overtone emission lines. By modeling five bands of CO overtone emission lines, and the symmetric double-peaked line profile for Na I emission lines, we find that ESO H$\alpha$ 279a has an actively accreting Keplerian disk. From our Keplerian disk model, we find that Na I emission lines originate between 0.04 AU and 1.00 AU, while CO overtone emission lines are from the outer part of disk, in the range between 0.22 AU and 3.00 AU. It reveals that the neutral atomic Na gas is a good tracer of the innermost region of the actively accreting disk. We derive a mass accretion rate of 2-10x10^{-7} M_solar/yr from the measured Br_gamma emission luminosity of 1.78(+-0.31)x10^{31} erg/s.

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