The Trigonometric Parallax of the Brown Dwarf Planetary System 2MASSW J1207334-393254

TL;DR

This study measures the distance and motion of a young brown dwarf system, confirming its association membership and discussing the properties of its planetary-mass secondary object, challenging current models.

Contribution

First trigonometric parallax measurement of the brown dwarf system, confirming its distance and association membership, and analyzing the planetary-mass secondary's properties.

Findings

Distance of 54.0 pc with uncertainties

Membership in TW Hydrae Association confirmed

Secondary object below deuterium-burning limit with unusual colors

Abstract

We have measured a trigonometric parallax to the young brown dwarf 2MASSW J1207334-393254. The distance [54.0 (+3.2,-2.8) pc] and space motion confirm membership in the TW Hydrae Association. The primary is a ~25 M_jup brown dwarf. We discuss the "planetary mass" secondary, which is certainly below the deuterium-burning limit but whose colors and absolute magnitudes pose challenges to our current understanding of planetary-mass objects.