Mid-infrared Variability and Mass Accretion Toward NGC 2264 Protostars
Abstract
Variable mass accretion has been suggested to be an important aspect of protostar formation. Mid-infrared wavelength observations trace variations in accretion luminosity and thus can probe mass accretion on sub-AU scales. We present results from the Spitzer YSOVAR campaign towards class I protostars in NGC 2264. The precise (0.02 mag) several hour cadence light curves at 3.6 and 4.5 microns show that young star variability is ubiquitous, with a variety of morphologies and time scales. A structure function analysis shows the light curves, on average, have a power-law behavior up to 30 days. Moreover, the average structure function is the same for protostars in NGC 2264 and Orion. The power-law behavior suggests a stochastic process such as turbulent mass accretion. We discuss theoretical models and the prospects for determining mass accretion rates from synoptic studies.
- Publication:
-
Dense Cores: Origin, Evolution, and Collapse
- Pub Date:
- July 2014
- Bibcode:
- 2014dcoe.conf20301T