Rotational Variability and Detection of Superflares in a Young Brown Dwarf by TESS

TL;DR

This study analyzes TESS data of a young brown dwarf, revealing its rotation period and detecting superflare events with energies up to 10^35 erg, providing insights into its atmospheric activity.

Contribution

First detailed analysis of TESS light curves for a young brown dwarf, identifying rotation period and superflare activity in a star-forming region.

Findings

Rotation period of approximately 2.224 days.

Detection of two significant superflares.

Flare energies estimated between 10^34 and 10^35 erg.

Abstract

We present a comprehensive analysis of a Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) high-quality light curve for a young brown dwarf, MHO~4 having spectral type M7.0, in the Taurus star-forming region. We investigate the rotation periods and characterize the BD's dynamic atmosphere and surface features. We present light curve analysis of MHO~4, and estimate the rotation period to be around 2.224~d. Remarkably, MHO~4 exhibits two significant flaring events. Furthermore, we also estimated bolometric flare energies to be within the energy range of $10^{34}$ to $10^{35}$ erg, which sits in the superflare category.