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A Spitzer Space Telescope Exploration Science Program to Search for Y-dwarf Variability

Michael C. Cushing, Jesica Trucks, Kevin K. Hardegree-Ullman, Adam J. Burgasser, S H Carey, Jonathan J. Fortney, Christopher R. Gelino, John E. Gizis, J. Davy Kirkpatrick, Sandy Leggett
August 20, 2026
Published Date

Research Abstract & Technology Focus

Abstract We present the results of a Spitzer Space Telescope Exploration Science Program to search for and characterize variability in Y dwarfs. We observed 14 Y dwarfs over a 24 hr period at [3.6] and [4.5] and then repeated the observations a few months later. We add two Y dwarfs, WD 0806−661B and WISE J085510.83−071442.5, that were also observed with Spitzer so that our sample includes all Y dwarfs observed for variability with Spitzer. We infer variability fractions of 59% ± 15% and 64 − 13 % + 10 % for [3.6] and [4.5] in the first epoch, and 35% − 11 % + 17 % and 75% − 15 % + 8 % in the second epoch. We also find that Y dwarf Spitzer light curves are generally stable over timescales of months, but in some cases can show clear changes in amplitude. Combining our results with a similar Spitzer survey of L and T dwarfs by S. A. Metchev et al., we find the mid-infrared variability fraction of L, T, and Y dwarfs weakly supports the hypothesis that brown dwarf variability is caused by variations in the horizonal and/or vertical structure of condensate clouds.
Physics Astrophysics Astronomy Light curve Stars Telescope
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What is the core focus of the research titled 'A Spitzer Space Telescope Exploration Science Program to Search for Y-dwarf Variability'?

This literature focuses on: Abstract We present the results of a Spitzer Space Telescope Exploration Science Program to search for and characterize variability in Y dwarfs. We observed 14 Y dwarfs over a 24 hr period at [3.6] and [4.5] and then repeated the observations a fe...

Are there open-source GitHub repositories related to A Spitzer Space Telescope Exploration Science Program to Search for Y-dwarf Variability?

Yes, open-source projects like diinki/linux-antiquity (A highly tasteful Linux-theme, reminiscent of art-nouveau and old drawings related to astronomy, science, and mythology.) are actively building upon these concepts.

What other academic literature is closely related to 'A Spitzer Space Telescope Exploration Science Program to Search for Y-dwarf Variability'?

Yes, highly correlated activity was mapped. An entry titled 'Full technical proposal for detecting quadratic gravitodiamagnetic anomalies in stationary YBCO under microwave excitation' discusses this: This document is the companion to the minimum experiment proposal (Doc1). It is more ambitious, more expensive, and slower to execute, but offers f...

Are there commercial applications of 'A Spitzer Space Telescope Exploration Science Program to Search for Y-dwarf Variability' in market news publications?

Yes, highly correlated activity was mapped. An entry titled 'UCF Researchers Are Developing Tools to Help Find Habitable Planets' discusses this: Through the Photonics-Enabled Exoplanet Spectroscopic System (PEEPSS) program, researchers are developing a technology that will assist NASA's plan...

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