Circumstellar Disks Research Articles

Transition disc nature of post-AGB binary systems confirmed by mid-infrared interferometry

Context. Many properties of circumbinary discs around evolved post-asymptotic giant branch (post-AGB) binary systems are similar to those of protoplanetary discs around young stars. The deficits of near-infrared (near-IR) flux in the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of these systems hints towards large dust-free cavities that are reminiscent of transition discs as are commonly observed around young stars. Aims. We aim to assess the size of the inner rim of six post-AGB binary systems with lack in the near-IR like this. We used resolved mid-infrared (mid-IR) high-angular resolution observations of VLTI/MATISSE and VLTI/MIDI. The inner rim of only one such system was previously resolved. We compared these inner rim sizes to five systems with available MATISSE data that were identified to host a disc starting at the dust sublimation radius. Methods. We used geometric ring models to estimate the inner rim sizes, the relative flux contributions of the star, the ring, and an over-resolved emission, the orientation of the ring, and the spectral dependences of the components. Results. We find that the inner dust rims of the targets with a lack of near-IR excess in their SEDs are ∼2.5 to 7.5 times larger than the theoretical dust sublimation radii, and inner rim sizes of the systems that do not show this deficit are similar to those of their theoretical dust sublimation radii. The physical radii of the inner rims of these transition discs around post-AGB binaries are 3–25 au, which are larger than the disc sizes inferred for transition discs around young stars with VLTI/MIDI. This is due to the higher stellar luminosities of post-AGB systems compared to young stars, implying larger dust sublimation radii and thus larger physical inner radii of the transition disc. Conclusions. With mid-IR interferometric data, we directly confirm the transition disc nature of six circumbinary discs around post-AGB binary systems. Future observational and modelling efforts are needed to progress in our understanding of the structure, origin, and evolution of these transition discs.

A Census of the TW Hya Association with Gaia* * Based on observations made with the Gaia mission, the Two Micron All Sky Survey, the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, Gemini Observatory, and European Southern Observatory telescopes at La Silla and Paranal Observatories.

I have used high-precision photometry and astrometry from the third data release of Gaia to perform a survey for members of the TW Hya association (TWA). I have identified candidate members that appear to share similar kinematics and ages with bona fide members compiled by Gagné et al. (2017), and I have assessed their membership using radial velocities and spectroscopic diagnostics of age from various sources. My new catalog of adopted members contains 67 Gaia sources in 55 systems. The histogram of spectral types for TWA peaks near M5 (∼0.15 M ⊙), resembling the distributions measured for other nearby young associations. The UVW velocities of its members indicate that the association is expanding. The rate of expansion corresponds to an age of Myr. In a Gaia color–magnitude diagram, the members of TWA exhibit well-defined sequences of single stars and unresolved binary stars. The combined sequence of low-mass stars in TWA is indicative of an age of Myr when compared to the sequence for Upper Centaurus Lupus/Lower Centaurus Crux, for which an age of 20 Myr is assumed. Based on these expansion and isochronal ages, I have adopted an age of 10 ± 2 Myr for TWA. Finally, I have used mid-infrared photometry from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer to check for excess emission from circumstellar disks among the TWA members. Fourteen members have detected disks, all of which have been reported in previous studies. The fraction of members at ≤ M6 (≳0.1 M ⊙) that have full, transitional, or evolved disks is 10/52 = . That value is similar to the fraction previously measured for the Upper Sco association, which is roughly coeval with TWA.

The Disc Miner

Detecting planets in the early stages of formation is key to reconstructing the history and diversity of fully developed planetary systems. The aim of this work is to identify potential signatures from planet-disc interaction in the circumstellar discs around MWC 480, HD 163296, AS 209, IM Lup, and GM Aur, through the study of molecular lines observed as part of the ALMA large program MAPS. Extended and localised perturbations in velocity, line width, and intensity have been analysed jointly using the DISCMINER modelling framework, in three bright CO isotopologues, 12CO, 13CO, and C18O J = 2−1, to provide a comprehensive summary of the kinematic and column density substructures that planets might be actively sculpting in these discs. We find convincing evidence for the presence of four giant planets located at wide orbits in three of the discs in the sample: two around HD 163296, one in MWC 480, and one in AS 209. One of the planet candidates in HD 163296, P94, previously associated with velocity signatures detected in lower velocity resolution 12CO data, is confirmed and linked to localised velocity and line width perturbations in 13CO and C18O too. We highlight that line widths are also powerful tracers of planet-forming sites as they are sensitive to turbulent motions triggered by planet-disc interactions. In MWC 480, we identified non-axisymmetric line width enhancements around the radial separation of candidate planet-driven buoyancy spirals, which we used to narrow the location of the possible planet to an orbital radius of R = 245 au and PA = 193°, at a projected distance of 1.33″ from the star. In the disc of AS 209, we found excess 12CO line widths centred at R = 210 au, PA = 151°, at a projected distance of 1.44″, spanning around the immediate vicinity of a circumplanetary disc candidate proposed previously, which further supports its presence. We report no clear localised or extended kinematic signatures in the discs of IM Lup or GM Aur that could be associated with the presence of planets or gravitational instabilities. On the other hand, we demonstrate that pressure minima exhibit line width minima counterparts in optically thick emission, making them robust tracers of gaps in the gas surface density when analysed together with azimuthal velocity flows. Finally, we show that nine out of eleven millimetre dust continuum rings in the sample are co-located with pressure bumps traced by kinematic modulations, indicating that aerodynamic confinement via pressure traps is a common mechanism for the formation of dust substructures in these discs. Overall, our analysis reveals that all discs in the sample present a remarkable level of substructure in all the line profile observables considered, regardless of the CO isotopologue. However, the magnitude and morphology of the substructures vary between discs and tracers, indicating that the kinematics and thermodynamic properties are likely shaped by different physical mechanisms in each object. We propose that the main kinematic signatures identified in the discs of MWC 480, HD 163296, and AS 209 have a planetary origin, although they do not always manifest as highly localised perturbations, while the discs of IM Lup and GM Aur do not yield clear signatures pointing to the presence of massive planets. Our simultaneous analysis of multiple tracers and observables aims to lay the groundwork for robust studies of molecular line properties focused on the search for young planets in discs.

New constraints on the presence of debris disks around G 196-3 B and VHS J125601.92–125723.9 b

Context. The existence of warm (protoplanetary) disks around very young isolated planetary and brown dwarf mass objects is known based on near- and mid-infrared flux excesses and millimeter observations. These disks may later evolve into debris disks or rings, although none have been observed or confirmed so far. Little is known about circum(sub)stellar and debris disks around substellar objects. Aims. We aim to investigate the presence of debris disks around two of the closest (~20 pc), young substellar companions, namely G196-3 B and VHS J125601.92–125723.9 b (VHS J1256–1257 b), whose masses straddle the borderline between planets and brown dwarfs. Both are companions at wide orbits (≥100 au) of M-type dwarfs and their ages (50–100 Myr and 150–300 Myr, respectively) are thought to be adequate for the detection of second-generation disks. Methods. We obtained deep images of G196-3 B and VHS J1256–1257 b with the NOrthern Extended Millimeter Array (NOEMA) at 1.3 mm. These data were combined with recently published Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) and Very Large Array (VLA) data of VHS J1256–1257 b at 0.87 mm and 0.9 cm, respectively. Results. Neither G196-3 B nor VHS J1256–1257 b were detected in the NOEMA, ALMA, and VLA data. At 1.3 mm, we imposed flux upper limits of 0.108 mJy (G196-3 B) and 0.153 mJy (VHS J1256–1257 b) with a 3-σ confidence. Using the flux upper limits at the millimeter and radio wavelength regimes, we derived maximum values of 1.38×10−2 MEarth and 5.46 × 10−3 MEarth for the mass of any cold dust that might be surrounding G196-3 B and VHS J1256–1257 b, respectively. Conclusions. We put our results in the context of other deep millimeter observations of free-floating and companion objects with substellar masses smaller than 20 MJup and ages between approximately one and a few hundred million years. Only two very young (2–5.4 Myr) objects are detected out of a few tens of them. This implies that the disks around these very low-mass objects must have small masses, and possibly reduced sizes, in agreement with findings by other groups. If debris disks around substellar objects scale down (in mass and size) in a similar manner as protoplanetary disks do, millimeter observations of moderately young brown dwarfs and planets must be at least two orders of magnitude deeper to be able to detect and characterize their surrounding debris disks.

EPIC 206197016: A very hot white dwarf orbited by a strongly irradiated red dwarf

Context. Very precise satellite photometry has revealed a large number of variable stars whose variability is caused either by surface spots or by binarity. Detailed studies of such variables provide insights into the physics of these objects. Aims. We study the nature of the periodic light variability of the white dwarf EPIC 206197016 that was observed by the K2 mission. Methods. We obtain phase-resolved medium-resolution spectroscopy of EPIC 206197016 using X-shooter spectrograph at VLT to understand the nature of the white dwarf variability. We use non-local thermodynamical equilibrium model atmospheres to determine stellar parameters at individual phases. Results. EPIC 206197016 is a hot DA white dwarf with Teff = 78 kK. The analysis of the spectra reveals periodic radial velocity variations that can result from gravitational interaction with an invisible secondary whose mass corresponds to a red dwarf. The close proximity of the two stars where the semimajor axis is about 3 R⊙ results in the irradiation of the companion with temperatures more than twice as high on the illuminated side compared to the nonilluminated hemisphere. This effect can explain the observed light variations. The spectra of the white dwarf show a particular feature of the Balmer lines called the Balmer line problem, where the observed cores of the lower Balmer lines are deeper than predicted. This can be attributed to either weak pollution of hydrogen in the white dwarf atmosphere by heavy elements or to the presence of a circumstellar cloud or disk.

Post-dynamical inspiral phase of common envelope evolution

After the companion dynamically plunges through the primary’s envelope, the two cores remain surrounded by a common envelope and the decrease of the orbital period Porb stalls. The subsequent evolution has never been systematically explored with multidimensional simulations. For this study, we performed 3D hydrodynamical simulations of an envelope evolving under the influence of a central binary star using an adaptively refined spherical grid. We followed the evolution over hundreds of orbits of the central binary to characterize the transport of angular momentum by advection, gravitational torques, turbulence, and viscosity. We find that local advective torques from the mean flow and Reynolds stresses associated with the turbulent flow dominate the angular momentum transport, which occurs outward in a disk-like structure about the orbital plane and inward along the polar axis. Turbulent transport is less efficient, but can locally significantly damp or enhance the net angular momentum radial transport and may even reverse its direction. Short-term variability in the envelope is remarkably similar to circumbinary disks, including the formation and destruction of lump-like overdensities, which enhance mass accretion and contribute to the outward transport of eccentricity generated in the vicinity of the binary. If the accretion onto the binary is allowed, the orbital decay timescale settles to a nearly constant value τb ∼ 103 to 104 Porb, while preventing accretion leads to a slowly increasing τb ∼ 105 Porb at the end of our simulations. Our results suggest that the post-dynamical orbital contraction and envelope ejection will slowly continue while the binary is surrounded by gas and that τb is often much shorter than the thermal timescale of the envelope.

Three-dimensional Orbit of AC Her Determined: Binary-induced Truncation Cannot Explain the Large Cavity in This Post-AGB Transition Disk

Some evolved binaries, namely post–asymptotic giant branch (AGB) binaries, are surrounded by stable and massive circumbinary disks similar to protoplanetary disks found around young stars. Around 10% of these disks are transition disks: they have a large inner cavity in the dust. Previous interferometric measurements and modeling have ruled out these cavities being formed by dust sublimation and suggested that they are due to massive circumbinary planets that trap dust in the disk and produce the observed depletion of refractory elements on the surfaces of the post-AGB stars. In this study, we test an alternative scenario in which the large cavities could be due to dynamical truncation from the inner binary. We performed near-infrared interferometric observations with the CHARA Array on the archetype of such a transition disk around a post-AGB binary: AC Her. We detect the companion at ten epochs over 4 yr and determine the three-dimensional orbit using these astrometric measurements in combination with a radial velocity time series. This is the first astrometric orbit constructed for a post-AGB binary system. We derive the best-fit orbit with a semimajor axis of 2.01 ± 0.01 mas (2.83 ± 0.08 au), inclination (142.9 ± 1.1)°, and longitude of the ascending node (155.1 ± 1.8)°. We find that the theoretical dynamical truncation and dust sublimation radii are at least ∼3× smaller than the observed inner disk radius (∼21.5 mas or 30 au). This strengthens the hypothesis that the origin of the cavity is due to the presence of a circumbinary planet.

The GRAVITY young stellar object survey

Context. T Tauri stars are known to be the cradle of planet formation. Most exoplanets discovered to date lie at the very inner part of the circumstellar disk (<1 au). The innermost scale of young stellar objects is therefore a compelling region to be addressed, and long-baseline interferometry is a key technique to unveil their mysteries. Aims. We aim to spatially and spectrally resolve the innermost scale (≤1 au) of the young stellar system CI Tau to constrain the inner disk properties and better understand the magnetospheric accretion phenomenon. Methods. The high sensitivity offered by the combination of the four 8-m class telescopes of the Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) allied with the high spectral resolution (R ~ 4000) of the K-band beam combiner GRAVITY offers a unique capability to probe the sub-au scale of the CI Tau system, tracing both dust (continuum) and gas (Brγ line) emission regions. We developed a physically motivated geometrical model to fit the interferometric observables – visibilities and closure phases (CP) – and constrained the physical properties of the inner dusty disk. The continuum-corrected pure line visibilities have been used to estimate the size of the Hydrogen I Brγ emitting region. Results. From the K-band continuum study, we report a highly inclined (i ~ 70°) resolved inner dusty disk, with an inner edge located at a distance of 21 ± 2 R★ from the central star, which is significantly larger than the dust sublimation radius (Rsub = 4.3 to 8.6 R★). The inner disk appears misaligned compared to the outer disk observed by ALMA and the non-zero closure phase indicates the presence of an asymmetry that could be reproduced with an azimuthally modulated ring with a brighter south-west side. From the differential visibilities across the Brγ line, we resolved the line-emitting region, and measured a size of 4.8- 1.0+ 0.8 R★. Conclusions. The extended inner disk edge compared to the dust sublimation radius is consistent with the claim of an inner planet, CI Tau b, orbiting close in. The inner-outer disk misalignment may be induced by gravitational torques or magnetic warping. The size of the Brγ emitting region is consistent with the magnetospheric accretion process. Assuming it corresponds to the magnetospheric radius, it is significantly smaller than the co-rotation radius (Rcor= 8.8 ± 1.3 R★), which suggests an unstable accretion regime that is consistent with CI Tau being a burster.

JWST/NIRSpec Observations of the Planetary Mass Companion TWA 27B* *Based on observations made with the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, the Gaia mission, the Two Micron All Sky Survey, and the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer

We present 1–5 μm spectroscopy of the young planetary mass companion TWA 27B (2M1207B) performed with NIRSpec on board the James Webb Space Telescope. In these data, the fundamental band of CH4 is absent, and the fundamental band of CO is weak. The nondetection of CH4 reinforces a previously observed trend of weaker CH4 with younger ages among L dwarfs, which has been attributed to enhanced nonequilibrium chemistry among young objects. The weakness of CO may reflect an additional atmospheric property that varies with age, such as the temperature gradient or cloud thickness. We are able to reproduce the broad shape of the spectrum with an ATMO cloudless model that has T eff = 1300 K, nonequilibrium chemistry, and a temperature gradient reduction caused by fingering convection. However, the fundamental bands of CH4 and CO are somewhat stronger in the model. In addition, the model temperature of 1300 K is higher than expected from evolutionary models given the luminosity and age of TWA 27B (T eff = 1200 K). Previous models of young L-type objects suggest that the inclusion of clouds could potentially resolve these issues; it remains to be seen whether cloudy models can provide a good fit to the 1–5 μm data from NIRSpec. TWA 27B exhibits emission in Paschen transitions and the He I triplet at 1.083 μm, which are signatures of accretion that provide the first evidence of a circumstellar disk. We have used the NIRSpec data to estimate the bolometric luminosity of TWA 27B (log L/L ⊙ = −4.466 ± 0.014), which implies a mass of 5–6 M Jup according to evolutionary models.

Turbulent processing of PAHs in protoplanetary discs

Context. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been detected in numerous circumstellar discs. Despite the correlation between stellar temperature and low PAH detections rates, the diversity of PAH detections and non-detections at similar stellar properties is not well understood. Aims. We propose the continuous processing of PAHs through clustering, adsorption on dust grains, and their reverse-processes as key mechanisms to reduce the emission-capable PAH abundance in protoplanetary discs. This cycle of processing is driven by vertical turbulence in the disc mixing PAHs between the disc midplane and the photosphere. Methods. We used a theoretical Monte Carlo model for photodesorption in the photosphere and a coagulation code in the disc midplane to estimate the relevance and timescale of these processes in a Herbig Ae/Be disc environment. By combining these components in a 1D vertical model, we calculated the gas-phase depletion of PAHs that stick as clusters on dust grains. Results. Our results show that the clustering of gas-phase PAHs is very efficient, and that clusters with more than 100 monomers can grow for years before they are able to freeze out in the disc midplane. Once a PAH cluster is frozen on the dust grain surface, the large heat capacity of these clusters prevents them from evaporating off the grains in UV-rich environments such as the photosphere. Therefore, the clustering of PAHs followed by freeze-out can lead to a depletion of gas-phase PAHs in protoplanetary discs. We find that this mechanism is more efficient when the PAH species has fewer carbon atoms. In contrast, PAH monomers and very small clusters consisting of a few monomers can easily detach from the grain by absorption of a single UV photon. Evaluated over the lifetime of protoplanetary discs, we find a depletion of PAHs by a factor that ranges between 50 and 1000 compared to the standard ISM abundance of PAHs in the inner disc through turbulent processing. Conclusions. Through these processes, we favour PAHs smaller than circumovalene (C66H20) as the major gas-phase emitters of the disc photosphere as larger PAH monomers cannot photodesorb from the grain surface. These gas-phase PAHs co-exist with large PAH clusters sticking on dust grains. We find a close relation between the amount of PAHs frozen out on dust grains and the dust population, as well as the strength of the vertical turbulence.

Fullerenes in the circumstellar medium of Herbig Ae/Be stars: insights from the Spitzer mid-infrared spectral catalog

ABSTRACT This study presents the largest mid-infrared spectral catalogue of Herbig Ae/Be stars to date, containing the Spitzer Infrared Spectrograph spectra of 126 stars. Based on the catalogue analysis, two prominent infrared vibrational modes of C60 bands at 17.4 and 18.9 μm are detected in the spectra of nine sources, while 7.0 μm feature is identified in the spectra of HD 319896. The spectral index analysis and the comparison of the known sources with C60 features indicated that there exist two different types of emission classes among the sample of stars. The infrared spectra of six Herbig Ae/Be stars in this study resemble that of reflection nebulae, and their association with previously known reflection nebulae is confirmed. In the case of three Herbig Ae/Be stars, we report the tentative evidence of C60 emission features originating from the circumstellar disc or nearby diffused emission region. The detection fraction of C60 in the total HAeBe star sample is ∼7 per cent, whereas the detection fraction is 30 per cent for HAeBe stars associated with nebulosity. In the catalog, C60 is exclusively present in the circumstellar regions of B type Herbig Ae/Be stars, with no evidence of its presence detected in stars with later spectral types. The present study has increased the number of young stellar objects and reflection nebulae detected with C60 multifold, which can help in understanding the excitation and formation pathway of the species.

Observability of photoevaporation signatures in the dust continuum emission of transition discs

ABSTRACT Photoevaporative disc winds play a key role in our understanding of circumstellar disc evolution, especially in the final stages, and they might affect the planet formation process and the final location of planets. The study of transition discs (i.e. discs with a central dust cavity) is central for our understanding of the photoevaporation process and disc dispersal. However, we need to distinguish cavities created by photoevaporation from those created by giant planets. Theoretical models are necessary to identify possible observational signatures of the two different processes, and models to find the differences between the two processes are still lacking. In this paper, we study a sample of transition discs obtained from radiation–hydrodynamic simulations of internally photoevaporated discs, and focus on the dust dynamics relevant for current Atacama Large Millimetre Array observations. We then compared our results with gaps opened by a super-Earth/giant planets, finding that the photoevaporated cavity steepness depends mildly on gap size, and it is similar to that of a ${1}\, {\rm M_J}$ planet. However, the dust density drops less rapidly inside the photoevaporated cavity compared to the planetary case due to the less efficient dust filtering. This effect is visible in the resulting spectral index, which shows a larger spectral index at the cavity edge and a shallower increase inside it with respect to the planetary case. The combination of cavity steepness and spectral index might reveal the true nature of transition discs.

Observations of planet forming disks in multiple stellar systems

The demographic of circumstellar disks, the birthplaces of planets, is diverse and rich in disks featuring rings, gaps, spirals, filaments, and arcs. Many studies revealing these disk structures have focused on objects around single stars and disks in isolation. The scenario is more complex if binarity or multiplicity is involved; most stars are part of multiple systems in crowded star-forming regions. How does the presence of one or more stellar companions affect the shape and size of the circumstellar disks? Here we review the landscape of results from optical, infrared, and (sub-) millimeter observations of the effects of multiplicity on protoplanetary disks, emphasizing the demographic studies of nearby molecular clouds and the high-resolution studies of multiple disk systems.

NGTS clusters survey – V. Rotation in the Orion star-forming complex

ABSTRACT We present a study of rotation across 30 square degrees of the Orion Star-forming Complex, following a ∼200 d photometric monitoring campaign by the Next Generation Transit Survey (NGTS). From 5749 light curves of Orion members, we report periodic signatures for 2268 objects and analyse rotation period distributions as a function of colour for 1789 stars with spectral types F0–M5. We select candidate members of Orion using Gaia data and assign our targets to kinematic sub-groups. We correct for interstellar extinction on a star-by-star basis and determine stellar and cluster ages using magnetic and non-magnetic stellar evolutionary models. Rotation periods generally lie in the range 1–10 d, with only 1.5 per cent of classical T Tauri stars or Class I/II young stellar objects rotating with periods shorter than 1.8 d, compared with 14 per cent of weak-line T Tauri stars or Class III objects. In period–colour space, the rotation period distribution moves towards shorter periods among low-mass (>M2) stars of age 3–6 Myr, compared with those at 1–3 Myr, with no periods longer than 10 d for stars later than M3.5. This could reflect a mass-dependence for the dispersal of circumstellar discs. Finally, we suggest that the turnover (from increasing to decreasing periods) in the period–colour distributions may occur at lower mass for the older-aged population: ∼K5 spectral type at 1–3 Myr shifting to ∼M1 at 3–6 Myr.

Massive pre-stellar cores in radiation-magneto-turbulent simulations of molecular clouds

ABSTRACT We simulate the formation and collapse of pre-stellar cores at few-au resolution in a set of radiation-magnetohydrodynamic simulations of giant molecular clouds (GMCs) using the grid-based code RAMSES-RT. We adopt, for the first time to our best knowledge, realistic initial/boundary conditions by zooming in on to individual massive pre-stellar cores within the GMC. We identify two distinct modes of fragmentation: ‘quasi-spherical’ and ‘filamentary’. In both modes, the fragments eventually become embedded in a quasi-steady accretion disc or toroid with radii ∼500–5000 au and opening angles H/R ∼ 0.5 − 1. The discs/toroids are Toomre stable but the accreted pre-existing fragments are found orbiting the outer disc, appearing as disc fragmentation. Each core converts nearly 100 per cent of the gas mass into a few massive stars forming near the disc centre. Large and massive discs around high-mass stars are supported by magnetic pressure in the outer disc, at radii >200–1000 au, and turbulent pressure in the inner disc. The most massive core accretes several times more mass than its initial mass, forming a cluster of 8 massive (proto)stars enshrouded by a toroid, suggesting a competitive accretion scenario for the formation of stars above ∼30 M⊙. We also find that the H ii regions produced by a single massive star remain trapped in the dense circumstellar discs for a few hundred kiloyears, while the dynamic motions of massive stars in wide binaries or multiple systems displace the stars from the densest parts of the disc, allowing UV radiation to escape producing steady or pulsating bipolar H ii regions.

Pre-Main Sequence Ap Star LkHα 324/B in LDN 988 Star Forming Region

We present results of the investigation of the star LkHα 324/B, which belongs to the starforming dark cloud LDN 988. Based on high resolution spectroscopy, we determined its fundamental parameters as Teff=11,175±130 K, log(L*/L⊙)=1.87±0.07. According to these parameters, we found that LkHα 324/B is a pre-main sequence star with mass M≈3M⊙ and age t≈2.9 Myr. Recently, it underwent the phase of actively accreting the Herbig Ae/Be star, but accretion has now ceased in the LkHα 324/B system. This is consistent with the fact that the star is surrounded by a circumstellar disk with an inner cavity, as was determined from its spectral energy distribution. Our analysis revealed the peculiar abundance pattern of LkHα 324/B typical to those of magnetic Ap stars. It possesses mild underabundance of the light elements and excess up to ∼2–4 dex (in comparison to the Sun) of the iron peak and rare earth elements. We found no evidence for abrupt vertical abundances gradients in the lines forming the region of the LkHα 324/B atmosphere, in agreement with the results of the theoretical diffusion calculations in this temperature domain. From the intensification of the magnetically sensitive lines, we deduced that LkHα 324/B probably hosts a global magnetic field of ⟨B⟩≈3.5 kG strength. We suppose that the stabilizing role of this field favored the elements’ separation by diffusion before the star reached the main sequence.

Hidden Companions to Nearby Intermediate-mass Stars. II. Discovery of a 0.80 M ⊙, 10.5 au Companion to the λ Boötis Star HIP 83650

HIP 83650 is a nearby intermediate mass star that shows the rare λ Boötis phenomenon of still uncertain origin. Here we report the discovery of a companion to this star with a K band flux ratio of 5.9% based on an archival VLTI/GRAVITY observation. This 0.80M ⊙ companion at a projected separation 149.8 mas ↔ 10.5au confirms that the system is rather old as there is no detected X-ray emission from it. We therefore argue that the λ Boötis character of this star is not caused by a circumstellar debris disk (for which there is also no evidence in the near-infrared interferometry) but potentially by accretion from the ablated wind of a hot Jupiter. This can be tested with AO-assisted spectroscopy of the newly discovered companion.

Impact of turbulence intensity and fragmentation velocity on dust particle size evolution and non-ideal magnetohydrodynamics effects

ABSTRACT We investigate the influence of dust particle size evolution on non-ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effects during the collapsing phase of star-forming cores, taking both the turbulence intensity in the collapsing cloud core and the fragmentation velocity of dust particles as parameters. When the turbulence intensity is small, the dust particles do not grow significantly, and the non-ideal MHD effects work efficiently in high-density regions. The dust particles rapidly grow in a strongly turbulent environment, while the efficiency of non-ideal MHD effects in such an environment depends on the fragmentation velocity of the dust particles. When the fragmentation velocity is small, turbulence promotes coagulation growth and collisional fragmentation of dust particles, producing small dust particles. In this case, the adsorption of charged particles on the dust particle surfaces becomes efficient and the abundance of charged particles decreases, making non-ideal MHD effects effective at high densities. On the other hand, when the fragmentation velocity is high, dust particles are less likely to fragment, even if the turbulence is strong. In this case, the production of small dust particles becomes inefficient and non-ideal MHD effects become less effective. We also investigate the effect of the dust composition on the star and disc formation processes. We constrain the turbulence intensity of a collapsing core and the fragmentation velocity of dust for circumstellar disc formation due to the dissipation of the magnetic field.

Eccentric Dust Ring in the IRS 48 Transition Disk

Crescent-shaped structures in transition disks hold the key to studying the putative companions to the central stars. The dust dynamics, especially that of different grain sizes, is important to understanding the role of pressure bumps in planet formation. In this work, we present deep dust continuum observation with high resolution toward the Oph IRS 48 system. For the first time, we are able to significantly trace and detect emission along 95% of the ring crossing the crescent-shaped structure. The ring is highly eccentric with an eccentricity of 0.27. The flux density contrast between the peak of the flux and its counterpart along the ring is ∼270. In addition, we detect a compact emission toward the central star. If the emission is an inner circumstellar disk inside the cavity, it has a radius of at most a couple of astronomical units with a dust mass of 1.5 × 10−8 M ⊙, or 0.005 M ⊕. We also discuss the implications of the potential eccentric orbit on the proper motion of the crescent, the putative secondary companion, and the asymmetry in velocity maps.

Orbital evolution of binaries in circumbinary discs

ABSTRACT We present the to-date largest parameter space exploration of binaries in circumbinary discs (CBDs), deriving orbital evolution prescriptions for eccentric, unequal mass binaries from our suite of hydrodynamic simulations. In all cases, binary eccentricities evolve towards steady state values that increase with mass ratio, and saturate at an equilibrium eccentricity eb,eq ∼ 0.5 in the large mass ratio regime, in line with resonant theory. For binaries accreting at their combined Eddington limit, a steady state eccentricity can be achieved within a few megayears. Once at their steady state eccentricities, binaries with qb ≳ 0.3 evolve towards coalescence, while lower mass ratio systems expand due to CBD torques. We discuss implications for population studies of massive black hole binaries, protostars in binary systems, and post-common envelope binaries observed by ground-based gravitational wave detectors.