Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Galaxy Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2010-03-17
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Galaxy Astrophysics
ApJ in press, 51 pages, 8 tables, 12 figures; converted to preprint style since emulateapj version cut off Tables 4-6
Scientific paper
TWA 30 is a remarkable young (7+/-3 Myr), low-mass (0.12+/-0.04 Msun), late-type star (M5+/-1) residing 42+/-2 pc away from the sun in the TW Hydrae Association. It shows strong outflow spectral signatures such as [S II], [O I], [O II], [O III], and Mg I], while exhibiting weak Halpha emission (-6.8+/-1.2 Angstroms). Emission lines of [S II] and [O I] are common to T Tauri stars still residing in their natal molecular clouds, while [O III] and Mg I] emission lines are incredibly rare in this same population; in the case of TWA 30, these latter lines may arise from new outflow material colliding into older outflow fronts. The weak Halpha emission and small radial velocity shifts of line emission relative to the stellar frame of rest (generally <=10 km/s) suggest that the disk is viewed close to edge-on and that the stellar axis may be inclined to the disk, similar to the AA Tau system, based on its temporal changes in emission/absorption line strengths/profiles and variable reddening (A_V=1.5-9.0). The strong Li absorption (0.61+/-0.13 Angstroms) and common kinematics with members of the TWA confirm its age and membership to the association. Given the properties of this system such as its proximity, low mass, remarkable outflow signatures, variability, and edge-on configuration, this system is a unique case study at a critical time in disk evolution and planet-building processes.
Bochanski John J.
Burgasser Adam Jonathan
Faherty Jacqueline K.
Herczeg Gregory J.
Kirkpatrick Joseph D.
No associations
LandOfFree
The Enigmatic Young Low-Mass Variable TWA 30 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 Enigmatic Young Low-Mass Variable TWA 30, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Enigmatic Young Low-Mass Variable TWA 30 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-699459