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Ultra‐cool dwarf variability
Author(s) -
Goldman B.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
astronomische nachrichten
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.394
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1521-3994
pISSN - 0004-6337
DOI - 10.1002/asna.200510474
Subject(s) - atmosphere (unit) , physics , astrophysics , wavelength , current (fluid) , meteorology , optics , thermodynamics
Ultra‐cool dwarf variability studies have matured into a multi‐wavelength, multi‐method probe of ultra‐cool atmospheres. They have the unique potential to address the question of heterogeneity on the ultra‐cool dwarf surface. The constraints on the models that we can gain though time‐sensitive observations are however hampered by the weak signal detected so far, and the limitations of current atmospheric models, otherwise quite successful, to predict dynamical, or even static 2‐D atmosphere characteristics. Here I review the situation of the ultra‐cool dwarf variability studies: possible sources of variability; methods, their limitations and their results; tentative interpretation and prospects. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)