Variability of Disk Emission in Transitional Disk Systems
First Author:
Karen Collins
Email: karen.collins AT insightbb.com
KSGC and University of Louisville
8951 Hi-View Lane
Louisville, KY 40272, USA
Coauthors:
Grady, Carol, Eureka Scientific and GSFC
Sitko, Michael, SSI and University of Cincinnati
Williger, Gerard, University of Louisville
Abstract
Spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of pre-main-sequence (PMS) stars are commonly used as a diagnostic of disk structure and to measure the successful fit of a circumstellar disk model to the target environment. However, assembling a full set of SED data relevant to the study of a circumstellar environment requires observations from UV to millimeter wavelengths, necessitating observations by multiple facilities and typically resulting in multiple epochs of data being stitched together to cover the wavelength range. We investigate the variability of disk emission from the Herbig F star SAO 206462, discuss adjustments to model parameters to fit the "low" and "high" states, and suggest possible physical explanations. We are conducting a more extensive investigation of transitional disk systems (HD 100453A and other objects) to examine the prevalence of the disk emission variability phenomenon. We also emphasize the importance of the Spitzer IRS and IRAC data base and the warm Spitzer IRAC mission to this project.
Link to PDF
