Multiple stellar flybys sculpting the circumstellar architecture in RW Aurigae
File(s)Rodriguez_2018_ApJ_859_150.pdf (3.24 MB)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
We present high-resolution ALMA Band 6 and 7 observations of the tidally disrupted protoplanetary disks of the RW Aurigae binary. Our observations reveal tidal streams in addition to the previously observed tidal arm around RW Aur A. The observed configuration of tidal streams surrounding RW Aur A and B is incompatible with a single star–disk tidal encounter, suggesting that the RW Aurigae system has undergone multiple flyby interactions. We also resolve the circumstellar disks around RW Aur A and B, with CO radii of 58 au and 38 au consistent with tidal truncation, and 2.5 times smaller dust emission radii. The disks appear misaligned by 12° or 57°. Using new photometric observations from the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) and the All Sky Automated Survey for SuperNovae (ASAS-SN) archives, we have also identified an additional dimming event of the primary that began in late 2017 and is currently ongoing. With over a century of photometric observations, we are beginning to explore the same spatial scales as ALMA.
Date Issued
2018-06-01
Date Acceptance
2018-04-24
Citation
Astrophysical Journal, 2018, 859 (2)
ISSN
0004-637X
Publisher
American Astronomical Society
Journal / Book Title
Astrophysical Journal
Volume
859
Issue
2
Copyright Statement
© 2018. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.
Identifier
http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000434264500004&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=1ba7043ffcc86c417c072aa74d649202
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Astronomy & Astrophysics
binaries: general
protoplanetary disks
stars: individual (RW Aur)
T-TAURI STARS
FORMING REGIONS
YOUNG STARS
ACCRETION DISK
BINARY-SYSTEMS
IMAGING SURVEY
AUR
OPHIUCHUS
VARIABILITY
VELOCITY
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
150
Date Publish Online
2018-06-04