Microwave observations of edge-on protoplanetary disks: Program overview and first results

Carl Melis, G. Duchne, Laura Chomiuk, Patrick Palmer, M. D. Perrin, S. T. Maddison, F. Ménard, K. Stapelfeldt, C. Pinte, G. Duvert

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13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We are undertaking a multi-frequency Expanded Very Large Array (EVLA) survey of edge-on protoplanetary disks to probe the growth of solids in each disk, sedimentation of such material into the disk midplane, and the connection of these phenomena to the planet formation process. The projection of edge-on disk systems along our line of sight enables a study of the vertical stratification of large grains with fewer model dependencies than would be required for disks that are more face-on. Robust studies of the spatial distribution of grains up to 1cm in size are possible with the wavelength range and sensitivity of the EVLA. In this contribution, we describe target selection and observational strategies. First results concerning the Class 0 source IRAS04368+2557 (L1527IRS) are presented, including a study of this source's 8.46GHz continuum variability over short and long time baselines and an indication that its protoplanetary disk may have a dearth of pebble-sized grains.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberL7
Number of pages7
JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters
Volume739
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Sept 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • accretion
  • accretion disks
  • circumstellar matter
  • planets and satellites: formation
  • protoplanetary disks
  • stars: individual (IRAS 04368+2557)
  • stars: variables: T Tauri, Herbig Ae/Be

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