Chandra Reveals Unusual X-ray Emission from the Jet-Driving T Tauri Star RY Tau
Abstract
We report results of a sensitive 56 ksec Chandra ACIS-S observation of the classical T Tauri star RY Tau. Chandra reveals complex X-ray emission that includes a very soft non-variable spectral component (some of which likely originates in shocks), a variable superhot flaring component (T > 100 MK) that is undoubtedly of magnetic origin, and faint soft X-ray emission extending outward to the northwest overlapping the forward (blueshifted) axis of the known optical jet. We summarize the X-ray spectral and timing behavior of RY Tau and discuss possible explanations of the faint extended emission in the context of X-ray jet models and a possible close companion.
This research was supported by Chandra award GO0-11028X issued by the Chandra X-ray Observatory Center.- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #219
- Pub Date:
- January 2012
- Bibcode:
- 2012AAS...21933715S