KH15D: a star eclipsed by a large scale dusty vortex?

Details KH15D: a star eclipsed by a large scale dusty vortex? KH15D: a star eclipsed by a large scale dusty vortex?

2003-07-18

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0307341v1

Astrophys.J.593:L117-L120,2003

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Accepted in ApJ Letters - 4 pages - 2 figures

Scientific paper

10.1086/378285

We propose that the large photometric variations of KH15D are due to an eclipsing swarm of solid particles trapped in giant gaseous vortex rotating at \~0.2 AU from the star. The efficiency of the capture-in-vortex mechanism easily explains the observed large optical depth. The weaker opacity at mid-eclipse is consistent with a size segregation of the particles toward the center of the vortex. This dusty structure must extend over ~1/3 of an orbit to account for the long eclipse duration. The estimated size of the trapped particles is found to range from 1 to 10cm, consistent with the gray extinction of the star. The observations of KH15D support the idea that giant vortices can grow in circumstellar disks and play a central role in planet formation.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

KH15D: a star eclipsed by a large scale dusty vortex? 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 KH15D: a star eclipsed by a large scale dusty vortex?, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and KH15D: a star eclipsed by a large scale dusty vortex? will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-489080