The debris disk around HR 8799

K. Y.L. Su, G. H. Rieke, K. R. Stapelfeldt, R. Malhotra, G. Bryden, P. S. Smith, K. A. Misselt, A. Moro-Martin, J. P. Williams

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

191 Scopus citations

Abstract

We have obtained a full suite of Spitzer observations to characterize the debris disk around HR 8799 and to explore how its properties are related to the recently discovered set of three massive planets orbiting the star.We distinguish three components to the debris system: (1) warm dust (T ∼ 150 K) orbiting within the innermost planet; (2) a broad zone of cold dust (T ∼ 45 K) with a sharp inner edge orbiting just outside the outermost planet and presumably sculpted by it; and (3) a dramatic halo of small grains originating in the cold dust component. The high level of dynamical activity implied by this halo may arise due to enhanced gravitational stirring by the massive planets. The relatively young age of HR 8799 places it in an important early stage of development and may provide some help in understanding the interaction of planets and planetary debris, an important process in the evolution of our own solar system.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)314-327
Number of pages14
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume705
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2009

Keywords

  • Circumstellar matter
  • Individual (HR 8799)
  • Infrared: stars
  • Planetary systems
  • Stars

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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