Evidence for Dynamical Changes in a Transitional Protoplanetary Disk with Mid-infrared Variability

TL;DR

This study reports rapid mid-infrared variability in a transitional protoplanetary disk, revealing dynamic structural changes likely caused by variable accretion or companions, highlighting the importance of infrared variability studies.

Contribution

First multi-epoch infrared observations of a transitional disk showing rapid structural changes, providing new insights into disk dynamics and variability mechanisms.

Findings

Detected weekly mid-infrared variability in the disk

Observed wavelength-dependent changes indicating structural dynamism

Suggested possible causes include variable accretion or embedded companions

Abstract

We present multi-epoch Spitzer Space Telescope observations of the transitional disk LRLL 31 in the 2-3 Myr-old star forming region IC 348. Our measurements show remarkable mid-infrared variability on timescales as short as one week. The infrared continuum emission exhibits systematic wavelength-dependent changes that suggest corresponding dynamical changes in the inner disk structure and variable shadowing of outer disk material. We propose several possible sources for the structural changes, including a variable accretion rate or a stellar or planetary companion embedded in the disk. Our results indicate that variability studies in the infrared can provide important new constraints on protoplanetary disk behavior.