Circumstellar disks and planets. Science cases for next-generation optical/infrared long-baseline interferometers

TL;DR

This paper reviews how next-generation optical/infrared interferometers can advance understanding of circumstellar disk evolution and planet formation through combined theoretical and observational approaches.

Contribution

It identifies key scientific questions and demonstrates how upcoming interferometric instruments can address them, emphasizing the synergy with other observational methods.

Findings

Interferometers can resolve disk structures at unprecedented scales.

Complementary observations enhance understanding of disk evolution.

Future facilities will significantly improve planet formation studies.

Abstract

We present a review of the interplay between the evolution of circumstellar disks and the formation of planets, both from the perspective of theoretical models and dedicated observations. Based on this, we identify and discuss fundamental questions concerning the formation and evolution of circumstellar disks and planets which can be addressed in the near future with optical and infrared long-baseline interferometers. Furthermore, the importance of complementary observations with long-baseline (sub)millimeter interferometers and high-sensitivity infrared observatories is outlined.