The Vega Debris Disc: A view from Herschel

TL;DR

This paper provides detailed Herschel Space Observatory imaging of the Vega debris disc across five wavelengths, revealing a smooth, steady-state ring structure at approximately 85 AU with high-resolution data.

Contribution

First detailed multi-wavelength Herschel imaging of Vega's debris disc, confirming its steady-state, smooth ring structure and precise radial extent.

Findings

Disc radius of about 85 AU determined

Disc appears smooth and in steady state

Resolved structure at multiple wavelengths

Abstract

We present five band imaging of the Vega debris disc obtained using the Herschel Space Observatory. These data span a wavelength range of 70-500 um with full-width half-maximum angular resolutions of 5.6-36.9". The disc is well resolved in all bands, with the ring structure visible at 70 and 160 um. Radial profiles of the disc surface brightness are produced, and a disc radius of 11" (~ 85 AU) is determined. The disc is seen to have a smooth structure thoughout the entire wavelength range, suggesting that the disc is in a steady state, rather than being an ephemeral structure caused by the recent collision of two large planetesimals.