A Spitzer MIPS study of 2.5-2.0 M stars in Scorpius-Centaurus

Christine H. Chen, Mark Pecaut, Eric E. Mamajek, Kate Y.L. Su, Martin Bitner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

We have obtained Spitzer Space Telescope Multiband Imaging Photometer for Spitzer (MIPS) 24μm and 70μm observations of 215 nearby, Hipparcos B- and A-type common proper-motion single and binary systems in the nearest OB association, Scorpius-Centaurus. Combining our MIPS observations with those of other ScoCen stars in the literature, we estimate 24μm B+A-type disk fractions of 17/67 (25+6 - 5%), 36/131 (27+4 - 4%), and 23/95 (24+5 - 4%) for Upper Scorpius (11Myr), Upper Centaurus Lupus (15Myr), and Lower Centaurus Crux (17Myr), respectively, somewhat smaller disk fractions than previously obtained for F- and G-type members. We confirm previous IRAS excess detections and present new discoveries of 51 protoplanetary and debris disk systems, with fractional infrared luminosities ranging from L IR/L * = 10-6 to 10-2 and grain temperatures ranging from T gr= 40 to 300K. In addition, we confirm that the 24μm and 70μm excesses (or fractional infrared luminosities) around B+A-type stars are smaller than those measured toward F+G-type stars and hypothesize that the observed disk property dependence on stellar mass may be the result of a higher stellar companion fraction around B- and A-type stars at 10-200 AU. Finally, we note that the majority of the ScoCen 24μm excess sources also possess 12μm excess, indicating that Earth-like planets may be forming via collisions in the terrestrial planet zone at 10-100Myr.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number133
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume756
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 10 2012

Keywords

  • circumstellar matter
  • infrared: planetary systems
  • infrared: stars
  • open clusters and associations: individual (Upper Scorpius, Lower Centaurus Crux, Upper Centaurus-)
  • planetary systems
  • planets and satellites: formation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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