Multi-epoch Observations of HD 69830: High-resolution Spectroscopy and Limits to Variability

December 2011 • 2011ApJ...743...85B

Authors • Beichman, C. A. • Lisse, C. M. • Tanner, A. M. • Bryden, G. • Akeson, R. L. • Ciardi, D. R. • Boden, A. F. • Dodson-Robinson, S. E. • Salyk, C. • Wyatt, M. C.

Abstract • The main-sequence solar-type star HD 69830 has an unusually large amount of dusty debris orbiting close to three planets found via the radial velocity technique. In order to explore the dynamical interaction between the dust and planets, we have performed multi-epoch photometry and spectroscopy of the system over several orbits of the outer dust. We find no evidence for changes in either the dust amount or its composition, with upper limits of 5%-7% (1σ per spectral element) on the variability of the dust spectrum over 1 year, 3.3% (1σ) on the broadband disk emission over 4 years, and 33% (1σ) on the broadband disk emission over 24 years. Detailed modeling of the spectrum of the emitting dust indicates that the dust is located outside of the orbits of the three planets and has a composition similar to main-belt, C-type asteroids in our solar system. Additionally, we find no evidence for a wide variety of gas species associated with the dust. Our new higher signal-to-noise spectra do not confirm our previously claimed detection of H₂O ice leading to a firm conclusion that the debris can be associated with the break-up of one or more C-type asteroids formed in the dry, inner regions of the protoplanetary disk of the HD 69830 system. The modeling of the spectral energy distribution and high spatial resolution observations in the mid-infrared are consistent with a ~1 AU location for the emitting material.

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IPAC Authors
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Rachel Akeson

IPAC Deputy Director

David Ciardi

Senior Scientist