Molecular Hydrogen emission from disks in the eta Chamaeleontis cluster

TL;DR

This study detects hot molecular hydrogen emission from a circumstellar disk in the eta Chamaeleontis cluster, indicating the presence of a gas reservoir at 6 million years that could support planet formation.

Contribution

First detection of hot H2 emission from a disk in eta Chamaeleontis, revealing a gas reservoir conducive to planet formation at 6 Myr.

Findings

Detected circumstellar gas at ~2 AU around an M3 star.

Gas mass comparable to the minimum mass solar nebula.

Presence of hot gas supports ongoing planet formation processes.

Abstract

Disks in the 6 Myr old cluster eta Chamaeleontis were searched for emission from hot H2. Around the M3 star ECHAJ0843.3-7905 we detect circumstellar gas orbiting at ~2 AU. If the gas is UV-excited, the ro-vibrational line traces a hot gas layer supported by a disk of mass ~0.03Msolar, similar to the minimum mass solar nebula. Such a gas reservoir at 6 Myr would promote the formation and inwards migration of gas giant planets.