A CCD search for faint high-latitude carbon stars: dwarfs among the giants

Abstract

We are acquiring a large-area sample of faint, high-latitude carbon star candidates for the study of halo dynamics by using an intermediate-band color system with CCDs in efficient survey modes. Except for one odd dwarf carbon (C) star, G77-61, it has long been assumed that these faint C stars are distant giants. However, we recently demonstrated that three more faint C stars are high proper motion objects, and therefore dwarfs. Now we are completing a proper motion survey of known faint high-latitude C stars to search for additional C dwarfs. The CCD and proper motion surveys together will place significant limits on the space density of C stars, be they dwarfs or giants.