A NIRSpec pilot program on planet-forming disks around very-low mass stars
Abstract
We propose deep NIRSpec IFU observations from 1.66 to 5.27 micron of two disks orbiting very-low mass stars (VLMS). VLMS host a rich population of potentially habitable planets (e.g. Proxima Centauri b). Because their disks are faint, little is known about the formation of this planet population. The first MIRI-MRS observations of the two targets have already revealed an extremely rich hydrocarbon chemistry, potentially related to the destruction of refractory carbon. This suggests that planets formed around VLMS could have very distinct elemental compositions compared with more massive stars. However, NIRSpec spectroscopic observations of VLMS disks are critically lacking to establish a global view of the inner disk composition. The proposed NIRSpec observations will allow to (1) measure for the first time the C/O elemental ratio in the gas, (2) infer the radial distribution of elements across the disk, and (3) search for new gas-phase species and refractory carbon. This program will provide legacy value to the community by demonstrating the potential of NIRSpec observations of VLMS disks in combination of MIRI-MRS, and by providing necessary constraints to link the composition of exoplanets to their formation history.
- Publication:
-
JWST Proposal. Cycle 2
- Pub Date:
- May 2023
- Bibcode:
- 2023jwst.prop.3962T