Physics
Scientific paper
Jul 2007
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2007hst..prop11164w&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #11164. Cycle 16
Physics
Scientific paper
We propose to measure the properties of planetary system-sized disks around Sun-like, pre-main sequence stars by imaging the inner parts of these disks for the first time in gaseous emission from their most dominant constituent, molecular hydrogen gas. Specifically, we will use the F212N filter and NICMOS to determine the spatial distribution of ro-vibrational H2 emission from protoplanetary disks around selected classical and weak-lined T Tauri stars. The target stars are among those detected by members of this team through high resolution, ground-based infrared spectroscopy. The spectra reveal H2 emission at the rest velocities of the stars and at positions spatially coincident with the stars at the spatial resolution of the spectroscopic data. This imaging experiment, which is impossible to do using ground-based facilities, is possible using the NICMOS camera aboard the HST because the point spread function of this system is extremely stable and can be measured to a very high accuracy. This experiment is an important test of the interpretation that the 2.122 micron H2 line emission seen toward T Tauri stars is produced at distances of 10 to 30 AU from the stars, the region in which giant planets are expected to form around these stars. These observations will contribute toward developing a better understanding of the process, likelihood, and timescale for the formation of planets around Sun-like stars.;
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