Evidence for Dynamical Changes in a Transitional Protoplanetary Disk with Mid-Infrared Variability
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.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- October 2009
- DOI:
- 10.1088/0004-637X/704/1/L15
- arXiv:
- arXiv:0909.5201
- Bibcode:
- 2009ApJ...704L..15M
- Keywords:
-
- accretion;
- accretion disks;
- planetary systems: protoplanetary disks;
- stars: pre-main sequence;
- Astrophysics - Solar and Stellar Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- 15 pages, 4 figures, accepted to ApJ Letters