Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2004-11-18
Astrophys.J.621:461-472,2005
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
32 pages, 9 figures, accepted in ApJ
Scientific paper
10.1086/427490
We present a model of a dusty disk with an inner hole which accounts for the Spitzer Space Telescope Infrared Spectrograph observations of the low-mass pre-main sequence star CoKu Tau/4. We have modeled the mid-IR spectrum (between 8 and 25 mic) as arising from the inner wall of a disk. Our model disk has an evacuated inner zone of radius ~ 10 AU, with a dusty inner ``wall'', of half-height ~ 2 AU, that is illuminated at normal incidence by the central star. The radiative equilibrium temperature decreases from the inner disk edge outward through the optically-thick disk; this temperature gradient is responsible for the emission of the silicate bands at 10 and 20 mic. The observed spectrum is consistent with being produced by Fe-Mg amorphous glassy olivine and/or pyroxene, with no evidence of a crystalline component. The mid-infrared spectrum of CoKu Tau/4 is reminiscent of that of the much older star TW Hya, where it has been suggested that the significant clearing of its inner disk is due to planet formation. However, no inner disk remains in CoKu Tau/4, consistent with the star being a weak-emission (non-accreting) T Tauri star. The relative youth of CoKu Tau/4 (~ 1 Myr) may indicate much more rapid planet formation than typically assumed.
Calvet Nuria
Chen Christine H.
D'Alessio Paola
Forrest William John
Franco-Hernández Ramiro
No associations
LandOfFree
The Truncated Disk of CoKu Tau/4 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with The Truncated Disk of CoKu Tau/4, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Truncated Disk of CoKu Tau/4 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-256887