The Circumbinary Ring of KH 15D

Details The Circumbinary Ring of KH 15D The Circumbinary Ring of KH 15D

2003-12-19

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0312515v3

Astrophys.J. 607 (2004) 913-920

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Final version, ApJ, v607, 913 (June 1); includes prediction for full spectral energy distribution (new Figure 5)

Scientific paper

10.1086/383522

The light curves of the pre-main-sequence star KH 15D from the years 1913--2003 can be understood if the star is a member of an eccentric binary that is encircled by a vertically thin, inclined ring of dusty gas. Eclipses occur whenever the reflex motion of a star carries it behind the circumbinary ring; the eclipses occur with period equal to the binary orbital period of 48.4 days. Features of the light curve--including the amplitude of central reversals during mid-eclipse, the phase of eclipse with respect to the binary orbit phase, the level of brightness out-of-eclipse, the depth of eclipse, and the eclipse duty cycle--are all modulated on the timescale of nodal regression of the obscuring ring, in accord with the historical data. The ring has a mean radius near 3 AU and a radial width that is likely less than this value. While the inner boundary could be shepherded by the central binary, the outer boundary may require an exterior planet to confine it against viscous spreading. The ring must be vertically warped to maintain a non-zero inclination. Thermal pressure gradients and/or ring self-gravity can readily enforce rigid precession. In coming years, as the node of the ring regresses out of our line-of-sight toward the binary, the light curve from the system should cycle approximately back through its previous behavior. Near-term observations should seek to detect a mid-infrared excess from this system; we estimate the flux densities from the ring to be 3 mJy at wavelengths of 10--100 microns.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The Circumbinary Ring of KH 15D 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 Circumbinary Ring of KH 15D, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Circumbinary Ring of KH 15D will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-656424