Program: GS-2015A-Q-42

Title:Polarimetric Imaging of the Protoplanetary Disks TW Hya and V4046 Sgr
PI:Valerie Rapson
Co-I(s): Max Millar-Blanchaer, Joel Kastner

Abstract

TW Hya and V4046 Sgr are the only known examples of pre-main sequence stars of roughly solar mass within ~75 pc of Earth that are still orbited by (and are actively accreting from) dusty, molecule-rich circumstellar disks. These two systems thereby afford unparalleled opportunities to study late-stage disk dissipation and planet-building processes at close range, within environments that are likely similar to that of the early solar system. We propose coronagraphic+polarimetric imaging with GPI of TW Hya and V4046 Sgr to determine the distribution of starlight scattered off dust particles in the planet-forming disks around these young stars. GPI Early Science observations have already revealed ring structures in the V4046 Sgr circumstellar disk likely due to planet formation interior to 12 AU, and these follow-up observations will reveal more about the structure and evolution of both planet-forming disks. Our proposed observations will thereby serve as a pathfinder for future GPI programs seeking to understand the formation and early histories of exoplanet systems.

Publications using this program's data