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arXiv · 0909.5201

Evidence for Dynamical Changes in a Transitional Protoplanetary Disk with Mid-infrared Variability

James Muzerolle·Kevin Flaherty·Zoltan Balog·Elise Furlan·Paul S. Smith·Lori Allen·Nuria Calvet·Paola D'Alessio·S. Thomas Megeath·August Muench·George H. Rieke·William H. Sherry
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Abstract

We present multi-epoch Spitzer Space Telescope observations of the transitional disk LRLL 31 in the 2-3 Myr-old star forming region IC 348. Our measurements show remarkable mid-infrared variability on timescales as short as one week. The infrared continuum emission exhibits systematic wavelength-dependent changes that suggest corresponding dynamical changes in the inner disk structure and variable shadowing of outer disk material. We propose several possible sources for the structural changes, including a variable accretion rate or a stellar or planetary companion embedded in the disk. Our results indicate that variability studies in the infrared can provide important new constraints on protoplanetary disk behavior.

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James Muzerolle, Kevin Flaherty, Zoltan Balog, Elise Furlan, Paul S. Smith, Lori Allen, Nuria Calvet, Paola D'Alessio, S. Thomas Megeath, August Muench, George H. Rieke, William H. Sherry. 2009-09-29. Evidence for Dynamical Changes in a Transitional Protoplanetary Disk with Mid-infrared Variability. https://doi.org/10.1088/0004-637x/704/1/l15

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