Circumstellar Disk Evolution: Constraining Theories of Planet Formation

TL;DR

This paper reviews observational data on circumstellar disks across various stellar properties to constrain theories of planetary system formation and evolution, integrating multi-wavelength observations with models and exoplanet studies.

Contribution

It synthesizes recent observational results, especially from the Spitzer Space Telescope, to evaluate how circumstellar disk properties inform planetary formation theories.

Findings

Disks' gas and dust properties vary with stellar age and type.

Observations suggest diverse evolutionary pathways for planetary systems.

Comparison with exoplanet data indicates potential commonality of systems like our own.

Abstract

Observations of circumstellar disks around stars as a function of stellar properties such as mass, metallicity, multiplicity, and age, provide constraints on theories concerning the formation and evolution of planetary systems. Utilizing ground- and space-based data from the far-UV to the millimeter, astronomners can assess the amount, composition, and location of circumstellar gas and dust as a function of time. We review primarily results from the Spitzer Space Telescope, with reference to other ground- and space-based observations. Comparing these results with those from exoplanet search techniques, theoretical models, as well as the inferred history of our solar system, helps us to assess whether planetary systems like our own, and the potential for life that they represent, are common or rare in the Milky Way galaxy.