IPERCOOL · Interpretation and Parameterization of Extremely Red COOL dwarfs

We propose a collaboration of Torino Observatory (OATo), the Center for Astrophysical Research at the University of Hertfordshire (CAR-UH), the National Brazilian Observatory (ON/MCT) and the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO) on the interpretation of low mass star and brown dwarf observations. We have a number of ongoing observational collaborations to determine the distance to over 200 new objects, more than 3 times the current sample with know distances. To exploit this new dataset we require the combination of very diverse expertise which can only be done by the collaboration of a number of institutes as we are proposing. This branch of astronomy is in its infancy and over the next few years due to the rapid increase in all sky surveys will explode. These objects provide a valuable new insight into many aspects of astronomy from planet formation to the structure of our Galaxy. The IPERCOOL dataset and results will remain unique and not be super-seeded for at least 10 years if not longer, collaboration at this stage will provide the institutes with a lead role in this field of study.