Angular Momentum of Planet-Forming Disks: Implications for Infall Driven Misalignments

Abstract

Context. A significant fraction (>30%) of planet-forming disks and planetary are misaligned with respect to the rotational axis of their host stars, yet the dominant mechanism responsible for these misalignments remains unclear. Aims. We aim to observationally constrain the angular momentum of Class II protoplanetary disks and assess whether late-stage infall of material can bring sufficient angular momentum to tilt them. Methods. We first computed the angular momenta of 15 disks with surface density profiles inferred from dynamical modeling of high angular resolution ALMA observations. Based on this sample, we derived a relation linking disk angular momentum to stellar mass, disk mass, and the radius enclosing 90% of the 13CO flux and used it to estimate angular momenta of 18 more disks. We then compared disk values with theoretical predictions for late-stage accretion from clouds and observed streamers. Results. Angular momentum for most disks is lower than what theoretical models predict for late infall. This is also in qualitative agreement with comparison with streamer observations, however, characterization of mass of reservoirs feeding the streamers is needed to confirm this picture. Conclusions. Interactions with nearby clouds, resulting in late-stage infall of material onto Class II disks, can potentially explain the observed misalignments within disks and planetary systems.