Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Solar and Stellar Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2011-06-21
2011, A&A, 531A, 84B
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Solar and Stellar Astrophysics
11 pages, 10 figures
Scientific paper
10.1051/0004-6361/201016091
Circumstellar disks surrounding young stars are known to be the birthplaces of planets, and the innermost astronomical unit is of particular interest. We present new long-baseline spectro-interferometric observations of the HerbigAe star, HR5999, obtained in the H and K bands with the AMBER instrument at the VLTI, and aim to produce near-infrared images at the sub-AU spatial scale. We spatially resolve the circumstellar material and reconstruct images using the MiRA algorithm. In addition, we interpret the interferometric observations using models that assume that the near-infrared excess is dominated by the emission of a circumstellar disk. We compare the images reconstructed from the VLTI measurements to images obtained using simulated model data. The K-band image reveals three main elements: a ring-like feature located at ~0.65 AU, a low surface brightness region inside, and a central spot. At the maximum angular resolution of our observations (1.3 mas), the ring is resolved while the central spot is only marginally resolved, preventing us from revealing the exact morphology of the circumstellar environment. We suggest that the ring traces silicate condensation, i.e., an opacity change, in a circumstellar disk around HR 5999. We build a model that includes a ring at the silicate sublimation radius and an inner disk of low surface brightness responsible for a large amount of the near-infrared continuum emission. The model successfully fits the SED, visibilities, and closure phases, and provides evidence of a low surface brightness region inside the silicate sublimation radius. This study provides additional evidence that in HerbigAe stars, there is material in a low surface brightness region, probably a low optical depth region, located inside the silicate sublimation radius and of unknown nature.
Benisty Myriam
Berger Jean Philippe
Garcia Paulo J. V.
Isella Andrea
Malbet Fabian
No associations
LandOfFree
A low optical depth region in the inner disk of the HerbigAe star HR5999 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 A low optical depth region in the inner disk of the HerbigAe star HR5999, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A low optical depth region in the inner disk of the HerbigAe star HR5999 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-178233