Infrared Observations of XTE J1118+480
ATel #393; R. I. Hynes (Louisiana State Univ.), D. M. Gelino (Caltech), K. J. Pearson (Louisiana State Univ.), E. L. Robinson (Univ. of Texas)
on 17 Jan 2005; 14:24 UT
Credential Certification: Robert Hynes (rih@phys.lsu.edu)
Subjects: Infra-Red, Binary, Black Hole, Transient
Infrared observations of the outbursting black hole XTE J1118+480 (ATEL #383) were performed using SQIID on the Kitt Peak National Observatory 2.1m telescope. Observations spanning 2005 January 15.42-15.58 found it somewhat fainter than the previous outburst (IAUC # 7394 , # 7407 ), at average brightness J=12.91+/-0.03, H=12.50+/-0.03, K=11.95+/-0.03. The colors again correspond to an approximately flat spectrum in F_nu. No orbital variation is apparent, but there is substantial unresolved rapid variability with rms amplitude 22% in K (between 2s exposures). Further observations are planned nightly until Jan 21.
