Kilodegree Extremely Little Research Articles

Methods for the Detection of Stellar Rotation Periods in Individual TESS Sectors and Results from the Prime Mission

For ongoing studies of the role of rotation in stellar evolution, we require large catalogs of rotation periods for testing and refining gyrochronology. While there is a wealth of data from the Kepler and K2 missions, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) presents both an opportunity and a challenge: despite its all-sky coverage, rotation periods remain hard to detect. We analyzed individual TESS sectors to detect short-period stellar rotation, using only parameters measured from light curves for a robust and unbiased method of evaluating detections. We used random forest classifiers for vetting, trained on a large corpus of period measurements in Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope data from the Oelkers et al. catalog and using TESS full-frame image light curves generated by eleanor. Finally, using data from the first 26 sectors of TESS, we analyzed 432,704 2 minutes cadence single-sector light curves for FGKM dwarfs. We detected 16,800 periods in individual sector light curves, covering 10,909 distinct targets, and we present a catalog of the median period for each target as measured by a Lomb–Scargle periodogram.

Comparative study of nearly‐grazing and fully‐grazing exoplanet system parameters derived with TESS and ground‐based instruments

AbstractGrazing transiting systems are rare and difficult to parameterize due to their partial transit geometry. We investigated a sample of 43 nearly‐grazing to fully‐grazing transiting exoplanetary systems, using datasets provided by the Transiting Exoplanet Satellite Survey (TESS), aiming first to refine major system parameters. We focus on the two parameters, impact parameter and planetary radius , through a comparison of TESS light curves with ground‐based light curves. We investigate if there is a potential systematic trend between ground‐based and space‐based investigations that would possibly lead to a redefinition of the grazing nature of those exoplanetary systems. Our results have shown that the value is confirmed for most of the systems within , and refined significantly for Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT)‐8 b, while the uncertainty on was improved for five systems with . The measurements of four systems were successfully refined, while the uncertainty of was improved for the majority of exoplanets with . Furthermore, a systematic trend is more pronounced for systems with , where there is a mean overestimation on the ground‐based derived by . We concluded eventually that from our sample only five systems are truly grazing, while four systems that were considered as grazing are not.

Outbursts and stellar properties of the classical Be star HD 6226

ABSTRACT The bright and understudied classical Be star HD 6226 has exhibited multiple outbursts in the last several years during which the star grew a viscous decretion disc. We analyse 659 optical spectra of the system collected from 2017 to 2020, along with a ultraviolet spectrum from the Hubble Space Telescope and high cadence photometry from both Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT) survey. We find that the star has a spectral type of B2.5IIIe, with a rotation rate of 74 per cent of critical. The star is nearly pole-on with an inclination of 13${_{.}^{\circ}}$4. We confirm the spectroscopic pulsational properties previously reported, and report on three photometric oscillations from KELT photometry. The outbursting behaviour is studied with equivalent width measurements of H α and H β, and the variations in both of these can be quantitatively explained with two frequencies through a Fourier analysis. One of the frequencies for the emission outbursts is equal to the difference between two photometric oscillations, linking these pulsation modes to the mass ejection mechanism for some outbursts. During the TESS observation time period of 2019 October 7 to 2019 November 2, the star was building a disc. With a large data set of H α and H β spectroscopy, we are able to determine the time-scales of dissipation in both of these lines, similar to past work on Be stars that has been done with optical photometry. HD 6226 is an ideal target with which to study the Be disc-evolution given its apparent periodic nature, allowing for targeted observations with other facilities in the future.

A unicorn in monoceros: the 3 M⊙ dark companion to the bright, nearby red giant V723 Mon is a non-interacting, mass-gap black hole candidate

ABSTRACT We report the discovery of the closest known black hole candidate as a binary companion to V723 Mon. V723 Mon is a nearby ($d\sim 460\, \rm pc$), bright (V ≃ 8.3 mag), evolved (Teff, giant ≃ 4440 K, and Lgiant ≃ 173 L⊙) red giant in a high mass function, f(M) = 1.72 ± 0.01 M⊙, nearly circular binary (P = 59.9 d, e ≃ 0). V723 Mon is a known variable star, previously classified as an eclipsing binary, but its All-Sky Automated Survey, Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope, and Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite light curves are those of a nearly edge-on ellipsoidal variable. Detailed models of the light curves constrained by the period, radial velocities, and stellar temperature give an inclination of $87.0^{\circ ^{+1.7^\circ }}_{-1.4^\circ }$, a mass ratio of q ≃ 0.33 ± 0.02, a companion mass of Mcomp = 3.04 ± 0.06 M⊙, a stellar radius of Rgiant = 24.9 ± 0.7 R⊙, and a giant mass of Mgiant = 1.00 ± 0.07 M⊙. We identify a likely non-stellar, diffuse veiling component with contributions in the B and V band of ${\sim }63{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ and ${\sim }24{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, respectively. The SED and the absence of continuum eclipses imply that the companion mass must be dominated by a compact object. We do observe eclipses of the Balmer lines when the dark companion passes behind the giant, but their velocity spreads are low compared to observed accretion discs. The X-ray luminosity of the system is $L_{\rm X}\simeq 7.6\times 10^{29}~\rm ergs~s^{-1}$, corresponding to L/Ledd ∼ 10−9. The simplest explanation for the massive companion is a single compact object, most likely a black hole in the ‘mass gap’.

An extreme-mass ratio, short-period eclipsing binary consisting of a B dwarf primary and a pre-main-sequence M star companion discovered by KELT

ABSTRACT We present the discovery of KELT J072709 + 072007 (HD 58730), a very low mass ratio (q ≡ M2/M1 ≈ 0.07) eclipsing binary (EB) identified by the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT) survey. We present the discovery light curve and perform a global analysis of four high-precision ground-based light curves, the Transiting Exoplanets Survey Satellite (TESS) light curve, radial velocity (RV) measurements, Doppler Tomography (DT) measurements, and the broad-band spectral energy distribution. Results from the global analysis are consistent with a fully convective ($M_2 = 0.22 \pm 0.02\ \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot })$ M star transiting a late-B primary ($M_1 = 3.34^{+0.07}_{-0.09}\ \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }\,\mathrm{ and}\,\ T_{\rm eff,1} = 11960^{+430}_{-520}\ {\rm K}$). We infer that the primary star is $183_{-30}^{+33}$ Myr old and that the companion star’s radius is inflated by $26 \pm 8{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ relative to the predicted value from a low-mass isochrone of similar age. We separately and analytically fit for the variability in the out-of-eclipse TESS phase curve, finding good agreement between the resulting stellar parameters and those from the global fit. Such systems are valuable for testing theories of binary star formation and understanding how the environment of a star in a close-but-detached binary affects its physical properties. In particular, we examine how a star’s properties in such a binary might differ from the properties it would have in isolation.

New Beta Cephei Stars from the KELT Project

Abstract We present the results of a search for Galactic β Cephei stars, which are massive pulsating stars with both pressure modes and mixed modes. Thus, these stars can serve as benchmarks for seismological studies of the interiors of massive stars. We conducted the search by performing a frequency analysis on the optical light curves of known O- and B-type stars with data from the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope exoplanet survey. We identify 113 β Cephei stars, of which 86 are new discoveries, which altogether represent a 70% increase in the number currently known. An additional 97 candidates are identified. Among our targets, we find five new eclipsing binaries and 22 stars with equal frequency spacings suggestive of rotational splitting of nonradial pulsation modes. Candidates for runaway stars among our targets and a number of interesting individual objects are discussed. Most of the known and newly discovered β Cephei stars will be observed by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite mission, providing by far the most comprehensive observational data set of massive main-sequence pulsating stars of sufficient quality for detailed asteroseismic studies. Future analysis of these light curves has the potential to dramatically increase our understanding of the structure of stellar interiors and the physical processes taking place therein.

Long-period High-amplitude Red Variables in the KELT Survey

We present a sample of 4,132 Mira-like variables (red variables with long periods and high amplitudes) in the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT) survey. Of these, 814 are new detections. We used 2MASS colors to identify candidate asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. We tested for photometric variability among the sample and used Lomb-Scargle to determine the periodicity of the variable sample. We selected variables with high amplitudes and strong periodic behavior using a Random Forest classifier. Of the sample of 4,132 Mira-like variables, we estimate that 70% are Miras, and 30% are semi-regular (SR) variables. We also adopt the method of using (W_{RP} - W_{K_s}) vs. (J - K_s) colors (Lebzelter et al. 2018) in distinguishing between O-rich and C-rich Miras and find it to be an improvement over 2MASS colors.

MOBSTER – III. HD 62658: a magnetic Bp star in an eclipsing binary with a non-magnetic ‘identical twin’

ABSTRACT HD 62658 (B9p V) is a little-studied chemically peculiar star. Light curves obtained by the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT) and Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) show clear eclipses with a period of about 4.75 d, as well as out-of-eclipse brightness modulation with the same 4.75 d period, consistent with synchronized rotational modulation of surface chemical spots. High-resolution ESPaDOnS circular spectropolarimetry shows a clear Zeeman signature in the line profile of the primary; there is no indication of a magnetic field in the secondary. PHOEBE modelling of the light curve and radial velocities indicates that the two components have almost identical masses of about 3 M⊙. The primary’s longitudinal magnetic field 〈Bz〉 varies between about +100 and −250 G, suggesting a surface magnetic dipole strength Bd = 850 G. Bayesian analysis of the Stokes V profiles indicates Bd = 650 G for the primary and Bd < 110 G for the secondary. The primary’s line profiles are highly variable, consistent with the hypothesis that the out-of-eclipse brightness modulation is a consequence of rotational modulation of that star’s chemical spots. We also detect a residual signal in the light curve after removal of the orbital and rotational modulations, which might be pulsational in origin; this could be consistent with the weak line profile variability of the secondary. This system represents an excellent opportunity to examine the consequences of magnetic fields for stellar structure via comparison of two stars that are essentially identical with the exception that one is magnetic. The existence of such a system furthermore suggests that purely environmental explanations for the origin of fossil magnetic fields are incomplete.

Precovery of Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite Single Transits with Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope

Abstract During the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite ( TESS) prime mission, 74% of the sky area will have an observational baseline of only 27 days. For planets with orbital periods longer than 13.5 days, TESS can capture only one or two transits, and the planet ephemerides will be difficult to determine from TESS data alone. Follow-up observations of transits of these candidates will require precise ephemerides. We explore the use of existing ground-based wide-field photometric surveys to constrain the ephemerides of the TESS single-transit candidates, with a focus on the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT) survey. We insert simulated TESS-detected single transits into KELT light curves and evaluate how well their orbital periods can be recovered. We find that KELT photometry can be used to confirm ephemerides with high accuracy for planets of Saturn size or larger, with orbital periods as long as a year, and therefore span a wide range of planet equilibrium temperatures. In a large fraction of the sky, we recover 30%–50% of warm Jupiter systems (planet radius of 0.9–1.1 R J and 13.5 < P < 50 days), 5%–20% of temperate Jupiters (50 < P < 300 days), and 10%–30% of warm Saturns (planet radius of 0.5–0.9 R J and 13.5 < P < 50 days). The resulting ephemerides can be used for follow-up observations to confirm candidates as planets, eclipsing binaries, or other false positives, as well as to conduct detailed transit observations with facilities like James Webb Space Telescope or Hubble Space Telescope.

The KELT Follow-up Network and Transit False-positive Catalog: Pre-vetted False Positives for TESS

Abstract The Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT) project has been conducting a photometric survey of transiting planets orbiting bright stars for over 10 years. The KELT images have a pixel scale of ∼23″ pixel−1—very similar to that of NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS)—as well as a large point-spread function, and the KELT reduction pipeline uses a weighted photometric aperture with radius 3′. At this angular scale, multiple stars are typically blended in the photometric apertures. In order to identify false positives and confirm transiting exoplanets, we have assembled a follow-up network (KELT-FUN) to conduct imaging with spatial resolution, cadence, and photometric precision higher than the KELT telescopes, as well as spectroscopic observations of the candidate host stars. The KELT-FUN team has followed-up over 1600 planet candidates since 2011, resulting in more than 20 planet discoveries. Excluding ∼450 false alarms of non-astrophysical origin (i.e., instrumental noise or systematics), we present an all-sky catalog of the 1128 bright stars (6 < V < 13) that show transit-like features in the KELT light curves, but which were subsequently determined to be astrophysical false positives (FPs) after photometric and/or spectroscopic follow-up observations. The KELT-FUN team continues to pursue KELT and other planet candidates and will eventually follow up certain classes of TESS candidates. The KELT FP catalog will help minimize the duplication of follow-up observations by current and future transit surveys such as TESS.

Observational Properties of Miras in the KELT Survey

AbstractWe present a catalog of the observed properties of Mira-type variable stars detected with the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT). Asymptotic giant branch (AGB) candidates were identified in KELT using a combination of photometric data from KELT and 2MASS colors. Of the 4 million objects with KELT photometry, 3332 Mira-like variables were identified. Here, we present their observed periods and luminosities which will place important constraints on future theoretical work on the effect convection has on pulsation periods and mode stability.

Masses and Radii of Four Very Low-mass Stars in F+M Eclipsing Binary Systems

Abstract Eclipsing binaries (EBs) with one of the companions as very low-mass stars (VLMSs; or M dwarfs) are testbeds to substantiate stellar models and evolutionary theories. Here we present four EB candidates with F-type primaries, namely, SAO 106989, HD 24465, EPIC 211682657, and HD 205403, identified from different photometry missions, SuperWASP, Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT), Kepler 2 (K2), and Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO). Using the high-resolution spectrograph PRL Advanced Radial velocity Abu-sky Search at the 1.2 m telescope at Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India, we hereby report the detection of four VLMSs as companions to the four EBs. We performed spectroscopic analysis and found the companion masses to be 0.256 ± 0.005, 0.233 ± 0.002, 0.599 ± 0.017, and 0.406 ± 0.005 M ⊙ for SAO 106989, HD 24465, EPIC 211682657, and SAO 106989B, respectively. We determined orbital periods of 4.39790 ± 0.00001, 7.19635 ± 0.00002, 3.142023 ± 0.000003, and 2.444949 ± 0.000001 days and eccentricities of 0.248 ± 0.005, 0.208 ± 0.002, 0.0097 ± 0.0008, and 0.002 ± 0.002 for EBs SAO 106989, HD 24465, EPIC 211682657, and HD 205403, respectively. The radii derived by modeling the photometry data are 0.326 ± 0.012 R ⊙ for SAO 106989, 0.244 ± 0.001 R ⊙ for HD 24465B, 0.566 ± 0.005 R ⊙ for EPIC 211682657B, and 0.444 ± 0.014 R ⊙ for HD 205403B. The radii of HD 24465B and EPIC 211682657B have been measured by precise Kepler photometry and are consistent with theory within the error bars. However, the radii of SAO 106989B and HD 205403B, measured by KELT and STEREO photometry, are 17%–20% higher than those predicted by theory. A brief comparison of the results of the current work is made with the M dwarfs already studied in the literature.

Variability Properties of Four Million Sources in the TESS Input Catalog Observed with the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope Survey

Abstract The Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT) has been surveying more than 70% of the celestial sphere for nearly a decade. While the primary science goal of the survey is the discovery of transiting, large-radii planets around bright host stars, the survey has collected more than 106 images, with a typical cadence between 10–30 minutes, for more than four million sources with apparent visual magnitudes in the approximate range . Here, we provide a catalog of 52,741 objects showing significant large-amplitude fluctuations likely caused by stellar variability, as well as 62,229 objects identified with likely stellar rotation periods. The detected variability ranges in rms-amplitude from ∼3 mmag to ∼2.3 mag, and the detected periods range from ∼0.1 to ≳2000 days. We provide variability upper limits for all other ∼4,000,000 sources. These upper limits are principally a function of stellar brightness, but we achieve typical 1σ sensitivity on 30 min timescales down to ∼5 mmag at , and down to ∼43 mmag at . We have matched our catalog to the TESS Input catalog and the AAVSO Variable Star Index to precipitate the follow-up and classification of each source. The catalog is maintained as a living database on the Filtergraph visualization portal at the URL https://filtergraph.com/kelt_vars.

Period Variations for the Cepheid VZ Cyg

Abstract The Cepheid Period–Luminosity law is a key rung on the extragalactic distance ladder. However, numerous Cepheids are known to undergo period variations. Monitoring, refining, and understanding these period variations allows us to better determine the parameters of the Cepheids themselves and of the instability strip in which they reside, and to test models of stellar evolution. VZ Cyg, a classical Cepheid pulsating at ∼4.864 days, has been observed for over 100 years. Combining data from literature observations, the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT) transit survey, and new targeted observations with the Robotically Controlled Telescope (RCT) at Kitt Peak, we find a period change rate of dP/dt = −0.0642 ± 0.0018 s yr−1. However, when only the recent observations are examined, we find a much higher period change rate of dP/dt = −0.0923 ± 0.0110 s yr−1. This higher rate could be due to an apparent long-term (P ≈ 26.5 years) cyclic period variation. The possible interpretations of this single Cepheid’s complex period variations underscore both the need to regularly monitor pulsating variables and the important benefits that photometric surveys such as KELT can have on the field. Further monitoring of this interesting example of Cepheid variability is recommended to confirm and better understand the possible cyclic period variations. Further, Cepheid timing analyses are necessary to fully understand their current behaviors and parameters, as well as their evolutionary histories.

Identification of Young Stellar Variables with KELT for K2. I. Taurus Dippers and Rotators

Abstract One of the most well-studied young stellar associations, Taurus–Auriga, was observed by the extended Kepler mission, K2, in the spring of 2017. K2 Campaign 13 (C13) is a unique opportunity to study many stars in this young association at high photometric precision and cadence. Using observations from the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT) survey, we identify “dippers,” aperiodic and periodic variables among K2 C13 target stars. This release of the KELT data (light curve data in e-tables) provides the community with long-time baseline observations to assist in the understanding of the more exotic variables in the association. Transient-like phenomena on timescales of months to years are known characteristics in the light curves of young stellar objects, making contextual pre- and post-K2 observations critical to understanding their underlying processes. We are providing a comprehensive set of the KELT light curves for known Taurus–Auriga stars in K2 C13. The combined data sets from K2 and KELT should permit a broad array of investigations related to star formation, stellar variability, and protoplanetary environments.

Identification of young stellar variables with KELT for K2 – II. The Upper Scorpius association

High-precision photometry from space-based missions such as K2 and TESS enables detailed studies of young star variability. However, because space-based observing campaigns are often short (e.g., 80 days for K2), complementary long-baseline photometric surveys are critical for obtaining a complete understanding of young star variability, which can change on timescales of minutes to years. We therefore present and analyze light curves of members of the Upper Scorpius association made over 5.5 years by the ground-based Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT), which complement the high-precision observations of this region taken by K2 during its Campaigns~2 and 15. We show that KELT data accurately identify the periodic signals found with high-precision K2 photometry, demonstrating the power of ground-based surveys in deriving stellar rotation periods of young stars. We also use KELT data to identify sources exhibiting variability that is likely related to circumstellar material and/or stellar activity cycles; these signatures are often unseen in the short-term K2 data, illustrating the importance of long-term monitoring surveys for studying the full range of young star variability. We provide the KELT light curves as electronic tables in an ongoing effort to establish legacy time-series datasets for young stellar clusters.

A Bright Short Period M-M Eclipsing Binary from the KELT Survey: Magnetic Activity and the Mass–Radius Relationship for M Dwarfs

Abstract We report the discovery of KELT J041621-620046, a moderately bright (J ∼ 10.2) M-dwarf eclipsing binary system at a distance of 39 ± 3 pc. KELT J041621-620046 was first identified as an eclipsing binary using observations from the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT) survey. The system has a short orbital period of ∼1.11 days and consists of components with M 1 = 0.447 + 0.052 − 0.047 M ⊙ and M 2 = 0.399 + 0.046 − 0.042 M ⊙ in nearly circular orbits. The radii of the two stars are R 1 = 0.540 + 0.034 − 0.032 R ⊙ and R 2 = 0.453 ± 0.017 R ⊙ . Full system and orbital properties were determined (to ∼10% error) by conducting an EBOP (Eclipsing Binary Orbit Program) global modeling of the high precision photometric and spectroscopic observations obtained by the KELT Follow-up Network. Each star is larger by 17%–28% and cooler by 4%–10% than predicted by standard (non-magnetic) stellar models. Strong Hα emission indicates chromospheric activity in both stars. The observed radii and temperature discrepancies for both components are more consistent with those predicted by empirical relations that account for convective suppression due to magnetic activity.

A Search for Binary Star Companions to the KELT Planet Hosts and a Comparison Sample. I. Results of DSSI Observations

Abstract We are conducting a search for binary companions around 11 hot-Jupiter hosts from the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT) survey and a large comparison sample of stars shown by KELT to not host a transiting hot Jupiter. The primary stars are bright (7.5 < V < 11) and of similar distance from Earth (100 < d < 300 pc). In this paper, we present the results of our observations using the Differential Speckle Survey Instrument. We observed 9 of the 14 KELT planet hosts that are visible from the northern hemisphere and 51 comparison stars, discovering two new potential companions and re-observing two previously known possible binary systems and one confirmed binary system. We provide an estimate of the chance alignment probability for our observed candidate binaries.

DM ORI: A YOUNG STAR OCCULTED BY A DISTURBANCE IN ITS PROTOPLANETARY DISK

ABSTRACT In some planet formation theories, protoplanets grow gravitationally within a young star’s protoplanetary disk, a signature of which may be a localized disturbance in the disk’s radial and/or vertical structure. Using time-series photometric observations by the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope South project and the All-Sky Automated Survey for SuperNovae, combined with archival observations, we present the discovery of two extended dimming events of the young star, DM Ori. This young system faded by ∼1.5 mag from 2000 March to 2002 August and then again in 2013 January until 2014 September (depth ∼1.7 mag). We constrain the duration of the 2000–2002 dimming to be < 860 days, and the event in 2013–2014 to be < 585 days, separated by ∼12.5 years. A model of the spectral energy distribution indicates a large infrared excess consistent with an extensive circumstellar disk. Using basic kinematic arguments, we propose that DM Ori is likely being periodically occulted by a feature (possibly a warp or perturbation) in its circumstellar disk. In this scenario, the occulting feature is located >6 au from the host star, moving at ∼14.6 km s−1 and is ∼4.9 au in width. This localized structure may indicate a disturbance such as that which may be caused by a protoplanet early in its formation.

RECURRING OCCULTATIONS OF RW AURIGAE BY COAGULATED DUST IN THE TIDALLY DISRUPTED CIRCUMSTELLAR DISK

ABSTRACT We present photometric observations of RW Aurigae, a Classical T Tauri system, that reveal two remarkable dimming events. These events are similar to that which we observed in 2010–2011, which was the first such deep dimming observed in RW Aur in a century’s worth of photometric monitoring. We suggested the 2010–2011 dimming was the result of an occultation of the star by its tidally disrupted circumstellar disk. In 2012–2013, the RW Aur system dimmed by ∼0.7 mag for ∼40 days and in 2014/2015 the system dimmed by ∼2 mag for >250 days. The ingress/egress duration measurements of the more recent events agree well with those from the 2010–2011 event, providing strong evidence that the new dimmings are kinematically associated with the same occulting source as the 2010–2011 event. Therefore, we suggest that both the 2012–2013 and 2014–2015 dimming events, measured using data from the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope and the Kutztown University Observatory, are also occultations of RW Aur A by the tidally disrupted circumstellar material. Recent hydrodynamical simulations of the eccentric fly-by of RW Aur B suggest the occulting body to be a bridge of material connecting RW Aur A and B. These simulations also suggest the possibility of additional occultations which are supported by the observations presented in this work. The color evolution of the dimmings suggest that the tidally stripped disk material includes dust grains ranging in size from small grains at the leading edge, typical of star-forming regions, to large grains, ices or pebbles producing gray or nearly gray extinction deeper within the occulting material. It is not known whether this material represents arrested planet building prior to the tidal disruption event, or perhaps accelerated planet building as a result of the disruption event, but in any case the evidence suggests the presence of advanced planet building material in the space between the two stars of the RW Aur system.