1. |
- Berné, O., et al.
(author)
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A far-ultraviolet-driven photoevaporation flow observed in a protoplanetary disk
- 2024
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In: Science. - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 383:6686, s. 988-992
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Most low-mass stars form in stellar clusters that also contain massive stars, which are sources of far-ultraviolet (FUV) radiation. Theoretical models predict that this FUV radiation produces photodissociation regions (PDRs) on the surfaces of protoplanetary disks around low-mass stars, which affects planet formation within the disks. We report James Webb Space Telescope and Atacama Large Millimeter Array observations of a FUV-irradiated protoplanetary disk in the Orion Nebula. Emission lines are detected from the PDR; modeling their kinematics and excitation allowed us to constrain the physical conditions within the gas. We quantified the mass-loss rate induced by the FUV irradiation and found that it is sufficient to remove gas from the disk in less than a million years. This is rapid enough to affect giant planet formation in the disk.
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2. |
- Berné, O., et al.
(author)
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Formation of the methyl cation by photochemistry in a protoplanetary disk
- 2023
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In: Nature. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 621:7977, s. 56-59
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Forty years ago, it was proposed that gas-phase organic chemistry in the interstellar medium can be initiated by the methyl cation CH3+ (refs. 1–3), but so far it has not been observed outside the Solar System 4,5. Alternative routes involving processes on grain surfaces have been invoked 6,7. Here we report James Webb Space Telescope observations of CH3+ in a protoplanetary disk in the Orion star-forming region. We find that gas-phase organic chemistry is activated by ultraviolet irradiation.
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3. |
- De Putte, Dries Van, et al.
(author)
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PDRs4All VIII. Mid-infrared emission line inventory of the Orion Bar
- 2024
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 687
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context . Mid-infrared emission features are important probes of the properties of ionized gas and hot or warm molecular gas, which are difficult to probe at other wavelengths. The Orion Bar photodissociation region (PDR) is a bright, nearby, and frequently studied target containing large amounts of gas under these conditions. Under the “PDRs4All” Early Release Science Program for JWST, a part of the Orion Bar was observed with MIRI integral field unit (IFU) spectroscopy, and these high-sensitivity IR spectroscopic images of very high angular resolution (0.2′′) provide a rich observational inventory of the mid-infrared (MIR) emission lines, while resolving the H II region, the ionization front, and multiple dissociation fronts. Aims . We list, identify, and measure the most prominent gas emission lines in the Orion Bar using the new MIRI IFU data. An initial analysis summarizes the physical conditions of the gas and demonstrates the potential of these new data and future IFU observations with JWST. Methods. The MIRI IFU mosaic spatially resolves the substructure of the PDR, its footprint cutting perpendicularly across the ionization front and three dissociation fronts. We performed an up-to-date data reduction, and extracted five spectra that represent the ionized, atomic, and molecular gas layers. We identified the observed lines through a comparison with theoretical line lists derived from atomic data and simulated PDR models. The identified species and transitions are summarized in the main table of this work, with measurements of the line intensities and central wavelengths. Results . We identified around 100 lines and report an additional 18 lines that remain unidentified. The majority consists of H I recombination lines arising from the ionized gas layer bordering the PDR. The H I line ratios are well matched by emissivity coefficients from H recombination theory, but deviate by up to 10% because of contamination by He I lines. We report the observed emission lines of various ionization stages of Ne, P, S, Cl, Ar, Fe, and Ni. We show how the Ne III/Ne II, S IV/S III, and Ar III/Ar II ratios trace the conditions in the ionized layer bordering the PDR, while Fe III/Fe II and Ni III/Ni II exhibit a different behavior, as there are significant contributions to Fe II and Ni II from the neutral PDR gas. We observe the pure-rotational H2 lines in the vibrational ground state from 0–0 S(1) to 0–0 S(8), and in the first vibrationally excited state from 1–1 S(5) to 1–1 S(9). We derive H2 excitation diagrams, and for the three observed dissociation fronts, the rotational excitation can be approximated with one thermal (∼700 K) component representative of an average gas temperature, and one nonthermal component (∼2700 K) probing the effect of UV pumping. We compare these results to an existing model of the Orion Bar PDR, and find that the predicted excitation matches the data qualitatively, while adjustments to the parameters of the PDR model are required to reproduce the intensity of the 0–0 S(6) to S(8) lines.
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4. |
- Gasman, Danny, et al.
(author)
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MINDS Abundant water and varying C/O across the disk of Sz 98 as seen by JWST/MIRI
- 2023
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 679
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. The Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI) Medium Resolution Spectrometer (MRS) on board the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) allows us to probe the inner regions of protoplanetary disks, where the elevated temperatures result in an active chemistry and where the gas composition may dictate the composition of planets forming in this region. The disk around the classical T Tauri star Sz 98, which has an unusually large dust disk in the millimetre with a compact core, was observed with the MRS, and we examine its spectrum here.Aims. We aim to explain the observations and put the disk of Sz 98 in context with other disks, with a focus on the H2O emission through both its ro-vibrational and pure rotational emission. Furthermore, we compare our chemical findings with those obtained for the outer disk from Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) observations.Methods. In order to model the molecular features in the spectrum, the continuum was subtracted and local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) slab models were fitted. The spectrum was divided into different wavelength regions corresponding to H2O lines of different excitation conditions, and the slab model fits were performed individually per region.Results. We confidently detect CO, H2O, OH, CO2, and HCN in the emitting layers. Despite the plethora of H2O lines, the isotopo-logue (H2O)-O-18 is not detected. Additionally, no other organics, including C2H2, are detected. This indicates that the C/O ratio could be substantially below unity, in contrast with the outer disk. The H2O emission traces a large radial disk surface region, as evidenced by the gradually changing excitation temperatures and emitting radii. Additionally, the OH and CO2 emission is relatively weak. It is likely that H2O is not significantly photodissociated, either due to self-shielding against the stellar irradiation, or UV shielding from small dust particles. While H2O is prominent and OH is relatively weak, the line fluxes in the inner disk of Sz 98 are not outliers compared to other disks.Conclusions. The relative emitting strength of the different identified molecular features points towards UV shielding of H2O in the inner disk of Sz 98, with a thin layer of OH on top. The majority of the organic molecules are either hidden below the dust continuum, or not present. In general, the inferred composition points to a sub-solar C/O ratio (<0.5) in the inner disk, in contrast with the larger than unity C/O ratio in the gas in the outer disk found with ALMA.
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5. |
- Grant, Sierra L., et al.
(author)
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MINDS. The Detection of 13 CO 2 with JWST-MIRI Indicates Abundant CO 2 in a Protoplanetary Disk
- 2023
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In: Astrophysical Journal Letters. - 2041-8213 .- 2041-8205. ; 947:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present JWST-MIRI Medium Resolution Spectrometer (MRS) spectra of the protoplanetary disk around the low-mass T Tauri star GW Lup from the MIRI mid-INfrared Disk Survey Guaranteed Time Observations program. Emission from 12CO213CO2, H2O, HCN, C2H2, and OH is identified with 13CO2 being detected for the first time in a protoplanetary disk. We characterize the chemical and physical conditions in the inner few astronomical units of the GW Lup disk using these molecules as probes. The spectral resolution of JWST-MIRI MRS paired with high signal-to-noise data is essential to identify these species and determine their column densities and temperatures. The Q branches of these molecules, including those of hot bands, are particularly sensitive to temperature and column density. We find that the 12CO2 emission in the GW Lup disk is coming from optically thick emission at a temperature of ∼400 K. 13CO2 is optically thinner and based on a lower temperature of ∼325 K, and thus may be tracing deeper into the disk and/or a larger emitting radius than 12CO2. The derived N CO 2 / N H 2 O ratio is orders of magnitude higher than previously derived for GW Lup and other targets based on Spitzer-InfraRed-Spectrograph data. This high column density ratio may be due to an inner cavity with a radius in between the H2O and CO2 snowlines and/or an overall lower disk temperature. This paper demonstrates the unique ability of JWST to probe inner disk structures and chemistry through weak, previously unseen molecular features.
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6. |
- Habart, Emilie, et al.
(author)
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PDRs4All II. JWST’s NIR and MIR imaging view of the Orion Nebula
- 2024
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 685
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured the most detailed and sharpest infrared (IR) images ever taken of the inner region of the Orion Nebula, the nearest massive star formation region, and a prototypical highly irradiated dense photo-dissociation region (PDR). Aims. We investigate the fundamental interaction of far-ultraviolet (FUV) photons with molecular clouds. The transitions across the ionization front (IF), dissociation front (DF), and the molecular cloud are studied at high-angular resolution. These transitions are relevant to understanding the effects of radiative feedback from massive stars and the dominant physical and chemical processes that lead to the IR emission that JWST will detect in many Galactic and extragalactic environments. Methods. We utilized NIRCam and MIRI to obtain sub-arcsecond images over ∼150′′ and 42′′ in key gas phase lines (e.g., Pa α, Br α, [FeII] 1.64 µm, H2 1–0 S(1) 2.12 µm, 0–0 S(9) 4.69 µm), aromatic and aliphatic infrared bands (aromatic infrared bands at 3.3–3.4 µm, 7.7, and 11.3 µm), dust emission, and scattered light. Their emission are powerful tracers of the IF and DF, FUV radiation field and density distribution. Using NIRSpec observations the fractional contributions of lines, AIBs, and continuum emission to our NIRCam images were estimated. A very good agreement is found for the distribution and intensity of lines and AIBs between the NIRCam and NIRSpec observations. Results. Due to the proximity of the Orion Nebula and the unprecedented angular resolution of JWST, these data reveal that the molecular cloud borders are hyper structured at small angular scales of ∼0.1–1′′ (∼0.0002–0.002 pc or ∼40–400 au at 414 pc). A diverse set of features are observed such as ridges, waves, globules and photoevaporated protoplanetary disks. At the PDR atomic to molecular transition, several bright features are detected that are associated with the highly irradiated surroundings of the dense molecular condensations and embedded young star. Toward the Orion Bar PDR, a highly sculpted interface is detected with sharp edges and density increases near the IF and DF. This was predicted by previous modeling studies, but the fronts were unresolved in most tracers. The spatial distribution of the AIBs reveals that the PDR edge is steep and is followed by an extensive warm atomic layer up to the DF with multiple ridges. A complex, structured, and folded H0/H2 DF surface was traced by the H2 lines. This dataset was used to revisit the commonly adopted 2D PDR structure of the Orion Bar as our observations show that a 3D “terraced” geometry is required to explain the JWST observations. JWST provides us with a complete view of the PDR, all the way from the PDR edge to the substructured dense region, and this allowed us to determine, in detail, where the emission of the atomic and molecular lines, aromatic bands, and dust originate. Conclusions. This study offers an unprecedented dataset to benchmark and transform PDR physico-chemical and dynamical models for the JWST era. A fundamental step forward in our understanding of the interaction of FUV photons with molecular clouds and the role of FUV irradiation along the star formation sequence is provided.
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7. |
- Henning, Thomas, et al.
(author)
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MINDS : The JWST MIRI Mid-INfrared Disk Survey
- 2024
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In: Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. - 0004-6280 .- 1538-3873. ; 136:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The study of protoplanetary disks has become increasingly important with the Kepler satellite finding that exoplanets are ubiquitous around stars in our galaxy and the discovery of enormous diversity in planetary system architectures and planet properties. High-resolution near-IR and ALMA images show strong evidence for ongoing planet formation in young disks. The JWST MIRI mid-INfrared Disk Survey (MINDS) aims to (1) investigate the chemical inventory in the terrestrial planet-forming zone across stellar spectral type, (2) follow the gas evolution into the disk dispersal stage, and (3) study the structure of protoplanetary and debris disks in the thermal mid-IR. The MINDS survey will thus build a bridge between the chemical inventory of disks and the properties of exoplanets. The survey comprises 52 targets (Herbig Ae stars, T Tauri stars, very low-mass stars and young debris disks). We primarily obtain MIRI/MRS spectra with high signal-to-noise ratio (∼100–500) covering the complete wavelength range from 4.9 to 27.9 μm. For a handful of selected targets we also obtain NIRSpec IFU high resolution spectroscopy (2.87–5.27 μm). We will search for signposts of planet formation in thermal emission of micron-sized dust—information complementary to near-IR scattered light emission from small dust grains and emission from large dust in the submillimeter wavelength domain. We will also study the spatial structure of disks in three key systems that have shown signposts for planet formation, TW Hya and HD 169142 using the MIRI coronagraph at 15.5 μm and 10.65 μm respectively and PDS 70 using NIRCam imaging in the 1.87 μm narrow and the 4.8 μm medium band filter. We provide here an overview of the MINDS survey and showcase the power of the new JWST mid-IR molecular spectroscopy with the TW Hya disk spectrum where we report the detection of the molecular ion CH3+ and the robust confirmation of HCO+ earlier detected with Spitzer.
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8. |
- Kamp, Inga, et al.
(author)
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The chemical inventory of the inner regions of planet-forming disks - the JWST/MINDS program
- 2023
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In: Faraday discussions. - 1359-6640 .- 1364-5498. ; 245, s. 112-137
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The understanding of planet formation has changed recently, embracing the new idea of pebble accretion. This means that the influx of pebbles from the outer regions of planet-forming disks to their inner zones could determine the composition of planets and their atmospheres. The solid and molecular components delivered to the planet-forming region can be best characterized by mid-infrared spectroscopy. With Spitzer low-resolution (R = 100, 600) spectroscopy, this approach was limited to the detection of abundant molecules, such as H2O, C2H2, HCN and CO2. This contribution will present the first results of the MINDS (MIRI mid-INfrared Disk Survey, PI:Th Henning) project. Due do the sensitivity and spectral resolution provided by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), we now have a unique tool to obtain the full inventory of chemistry in the inner disks of solar-type stars and brown dwarfs, including also less-abundant hydrocarbons and isotopologues. The Integral Field Unit (IFU) capabilities will enable at the same time spatial studies of the continuum and line emission in extended sources such as debris disks, the flying saucer and also the search for mid-IR signatures of forming planets in systems such as PDS 70. These JWST observations are complementary to ALMA and NOEMA observations of outer-disk chemistry; together these datasets will provide an integral view of the processes occurring during the planet-formation phase.
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9. |
- Peeters, Els, et al.
(author)
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PDRs4All: III. JWST's NIR spectroscopic view of the Orion Bar
- 2024
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 685
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. JWST has taken the sharpest and most sensitive infrared (IR) spectral imaging observations ever of the Orion Bar photodis-sociation region (PDR), which is part of the nearest massive star-forming region the Orion Nebula, and often considered to be the 'prototypical'strongly illuminated PDR. Aims. We investigate the impact of radiative feedback from massive stars on their natal cloud and focus on the transition from the H II region to the atomic PDR -crossing the ionisation front (IF) -, and the subsequent transition to the molecular PDR -crossing the dissociation front (DF). Given the prevalence of PDRs in the interstellar medium and their dominant contribution to IR radiation, understanding the response of the PDR gas to far-ultraviolet (FUV) photons and the associated physical and chemical processes is fundamental to our understanding of star and planet formation and for the interpretation of any unresolved PDR as seen by JWST. Methods. We used high-resolution near-IR integral field spectroscopic data from NIRSpec on JWST to observe the Orion Bar PDR as part of the PDRs4All JWST Early Release Science programme. We constructed a 3″ × 25″ spatio-spectral mosaic covering 0.97-5.27 μm at a spectral resolution R of ~2700 and an angular resolution of 0.075″-0.173″. To study the properties of key regions captured in this mosaic, we extracted five template spectra in apertures centred on the three H2 dissociation fronts, the atomic PDR, and the H II region. This wealth of detailed spatial-spectral information was analysed in terms of variations in the physical conditions-incident UV field, density, and temperature -of the PDR gas. Results. The NIRSpec data reveal a forest of lines including, but not limited to, He I, H I, and C I recombination lines; ionic lines (e.g. Fe III and Fe II); O I and N I fluorescence lines; aromatic infrared bands (AIBs, including aromatic CH, aliphatic CH, and their CD counterparts); pure rotational and ro-vibrational lines from H2; and ro-vibrational lines from HD, CO, and CH+, with most of them having been detected for the first time towards a PDR. Their spatial distribution resolves the H and He ionisation structure in the Huygens region, gives insight into the geometry of the Bar, and confirms the large-scale stratification of PDRs. In addition, we observed numerous smaller-scale structures whose typical size decreases with distance from θ1 Ori C and IR lines from C I, if solely arising from radiative recombination and cascade, reveal very high gas temperatures (a few 1000 K) consistent with the hot irradiated surface of small-scale dense clumps inside the PDR. The morphology of the Bar, in particular that of the H2 lines, reveals multiple prominent filaments that exhibit different characteristics. This leaves the impression of a 'terraced'transition from the predominantly atomic surface region to the CO-rich molecular zone deeper in. We attribute the different characteristics of the H2 filaments to their varying depth into the PDR and, in some cases, not reaching the C+/C/CO transition. These observations thus reveal what local conditions are required to drive the physical and chemical processes needed to explain the different characteristics of the DFs and the photochemical evolution of the AIB carriers. Conclusions. This study showcases the discovery space created by JWST to further our understanding of the impact radiation from young stars has on their natal molecular cloud and proto-planetary disk, which touches on star and planet formation as well as galaxy evolution.
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10. |
- Ramírez-Tannus, María Claudia, et al.
(author)
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XUE : Molecular Inventory in the Inner Region of an Extremely Irradiated Protoplanetary Disk
- 2023
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In: Astrophysical Journal Letters. - 2041-8205 .- 2041-8213. ; 958:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present the first results of the eXtreme UV Environments (XUE) James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) program, which focuses on the characterization of planet-forming disks in massive star-forming regions. These regions are likely representative of the environment in which most planetary systems formed. Understanding the impact of environment on planet formation is critical in order to gain insights into the diversity of the observed exoplanet populations. XUE targets 15 disks in three areas of NGC 6357, which hosts numerous massive OB stars, including some of the most massive stars in our Galaxy. Thanks to JWST, we can, for the first time, study the effect of external irradiation on the inner (<10 au), terrestrial-planet-forming regions of protoplanetary disks. In this study, we report on the detection of abundant water, CO, 12CO2, HCN, and C2H2 in the inner few au of XUE 1, a highly irradiated disk in NGC 6357. In addition, small, partially crystalline silicate dust is present at the disk surface. The derived column densities, the oxygen-dominated gas-phase chemistry, and the presence of silicate dust are surprisingly similar to those found in inner disks located in nearby, relatively isolated low-mass star-forming regions. Our findings imply that the inner regions of highly irradiated disks can retain similar physical and chemical conditions to disks in low-mass star-forming regions, thus broadening the range of environments with similar conditions for inner disk rocky planet formation to the most extreme star-forming regions in our Galaxy.
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11. |
- Schwarz, Kamber R., et al.
(author)
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MINDS. JWST/MIRI Reveals a Dynamic Gas-rich Inner Disk inside the Cavity of SY Cha
- 2024
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In: Astrophysical Journal. - 0004-637X .- 1538-4357. ; 962:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- SY Cha is a T Tauri star surrounded by a protoplanetary disk with a large cavity seen in the millimeter continuum but has the spectral energy distribution of a full disk. Here we report the first results from JWST/Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI) Medium Resolution Spectrometer (MRS) observations taken as part of the MIRI mid-INfrared Disk Survey (MINDS) GTO Program. The much improved resolution and sensitivity of MIRI-MRS compared to Spitzer enables a robust analysis of the previously detected H2O, CO, HCN, and CO2 emission as well as a marginal detection of C2H2. We also report the first robust detection of mid-infrared OH and rovibrational CO emission in this source. The derived molecular column densities reveal the inner disk of SY Cha to be rich in both oxygen- and carbon-bearing molecules. This is in contrast to PDS 70, another protoplanetary disk with a large cavity observed with JWST, which displays much weaker line emission. In the SY Cha disk, the continuum, and potentially the line, flux varies substantially between the new JWST observations and archival Spitzer observations, indicative of a highly dynamic inner disk.
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12. |
- Tabone, Benoît, et al.
(author)
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OH mid-infrared emission as a diagnostic of H 2 O UV photodissociation: I. Model and application to the HH 211 shock
- 2021
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 650
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. Water is an important molecule in interstellar and circumstellar environments. Previous observations of mid-infrared (IR) rotational lines of OH toward star-forming regions suggest that OH emission may be used to probe the photodissociation of water. Aims. Our goal is to propose a method to quantify H2O photodissociation and measure the local ultraviolet (UV) flux from observations of mid-IR OH lines. Methods. Cross sections for the photodissociation of H2O resolving individual electronic, vibrational, and rotational states of the OH fragment are collected. The state distribution of nascent OH following H2O photodissociation is computed for various astrophysically relevant UV radiation fields (e.g., a single Lya line or a broadband spectrum). These distributions are incorporated in a new molecular excitation code called GROSBETA, which includes radiative pumping, collisional (de)excitation, and prompt emission (i.e., following the production of OH in excited states). The influence of the photodissociation rate of H2O, the spectral shape of the UV radiation field, the density, the temperature of the gas, and the strength of the IR background radiation field on the integrated line intensities are studied in detail. As a test case, our model is compared to Spitzer-IRS observations at the tip of the HH 211 bow-shock. Results. The OH rotational line intensities in the range 9-16 µm, covering rotational transitions with Nup = 18-45, are proportional to the column density of H2O photodissociated per second by photons in the range 114-143 nm (denoted as fB) and do not depend on other local properties such as the IR radiation field, the density, or the kinetic temperature. Provided an independent measurement of the column density of water is available, the strength of the local UV radiation field can be deduced with good accuracy, regardless of the exact shape of the UV field. In contrast, OH lines at longer far-IR wavelengths are primarily produced by IR radiative pumping and collisions, depending on the chemical pumping rate defined as B = fB/N(OH) and on the local physical conditions (nH, TK, IR radiation field). Our model successfully reproduces the OH mid-IR lines in the 10-16 µm range observed toward the tip of the HH 211 bow-shock and shows that the jet shock irradiates its surroundings, exposing H2O to a UV photon flux that is about 5 × 103 times larger than the standard interstellar radiation field. We also find that chemical pumping by the reaction H2 + O may supplement the excitation of lines in the range 16-30 µm, suggesting that these lines could also be used to measure the two-body formation rates of OH. Conclusions. The mid-IR lines of OH constitute a powerful diagnostic for inferring the photodissociation rate of water and thus the UV field that water is exposed to. Future JWST-MIRI observations will be able to map the photodestruction rate of H2O in various dense (nH 106 cm-3) and irradiated environments and provide robust estimates of the local UV radiation field.
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13. |
- Tychoniec, Łukasz, et al.
(author)
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JWST Observations of Young protoStars (JOYS) Linked accretion and ejection in a Class I protobinary system
- 2024
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 687
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. Accretion and ejection dictate the outcomes of star and planet formation processes. The mid-infrared (MIR) wavelength range offers key tracers of processes that have been difficult to detect and spatially resolve in protostars until now. Aims. We aim to characterize the interplay between accretion and ejection in the low-mass Class I protobinary system TMC1, comprising two young stellar objects: TMC1-W and TMC1-E at a 85 au separation. Methods. Using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) observations in 5–28 µm range, we measured the intensities of emission lines of H2, atoms, and ions, for instance, the [Fe II] and [Ne II], and HI recombination lines. We analyzed the spatial distribution of the different species using the MIRI Medium Resolution Spectrometer (MRS) capabilities to spatially resolve emission at 0'.́2–0'.́7 scales. we compared these results with the corresponding Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) maps tracing cold gas and dust. Results. We detected H2 outflow coming from TMC1-E, with no significant H2 emission from TMC1-W. The H2 emission from TMC1-E outflow appears narrow and extends to wider opening angles with decreasing Eup from S(8) to S(1) rotational transitions, indicating the disk wind as its origin. The outflow from TMC1-E protostar shows spatially extended emission lines of [Ne II], [Ne III], [Ar II], and [Ar III], with their line ratios consistent with UV radiation as a source of ionization. With ALMA, we detected an accretion streamer infalling from >1000 au scales onto the TMC1-E component. The TMC1-W protostar powers a collimated jet, detected with [Fe II] and [Ni II], making it consistent with energetic flow. A much weaker ionized jet is observed from TMC1-E, and both jets appear strikingly parallel to each other, indicating that the disks are co-planar. TMC1-W is associated with strong emission from hydrogen recombination lines, tracing the accretion onto the young star. Conclusions. MIRI-MRS observations provide an unprecedented view of protostellar accretion and ejection processes on 20 au scales. Observations of a binary Class I protostellar system show that the two processes are clearly intertwined, with accretion from the envelope onto the disk influencing a wide-angle wind ejected on disk scales. Finally, the accretion from the protostellar disk onto the protostar is associated with the source launching a collimated high-velocity jet within the innermost regions of the disk.
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14. |
- Van Gelder, M. L., et al.
(author)
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JOYS+: Mid-infrared detection of gas-phase SO 2 emission in a low-mass protostar
- 2024
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 682
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. Thanks to the Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI) on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), our ability to observe the star formation process in the infrared has greatly improved. Due to its unprecedented spatial and spectral resolution and sensitivity in the mid-infrared, JWST/MIRI can see through highly extincted protostellar envelopes and probe the warm inner regions. An abundant molecule in these warm inner regions is SO2, which is a common tracer of both outflow and accretion shocks as well as hot core chemistry. Aims. This paper presents the first mid-infrared detection of gaseous SO2 emission in an embedded low-mass protostellar system rich in complex molecules and aims to determine the physical origin of the SO2 emission. Methods. JWST/MIRI observations taken with the Medium Resolution Spectrometer (MRS) of the low-mass protostellar binary NGC 1333 IRAS 2A in the JWST Observations of Young protoStars (JOYS+) program are presented. The observations reveal emission from the SO2 ν3 asymmetric stretching mode at 7.35 µm. Using simple slab models and assuming local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE), we derived the rotational temperature and total number of SO2 molecules. We then compared the results to those derived from high-angular-resolution SO2 data on the same scales (∼50−100 au) obtained with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). Results. The SO2 emission from the ν3 band is predominantly located on ∼50−100 au scales around the mid-infrared continuum peak of the main component of the binary, IRAS 2A1. A rotational temperature of 92 ± 8 K is derived from the ν3 lines. This is in good agreement with the rotational temperature derived from pure rotational lines in the vibrational ground state (i.e., ν = 0) with ALMA (104 ± 5 K), which are extended over similar scales. However, the emission of the ν3 lines in the MIRI-MRS spectrum is not in LTE given that the total number of molecules predicted by a LTE model is found to be a factor of 2 × 104 higher than what is derived for the ν = 0 state from the ALMA data. This difference can be explained by a vibrational temperature that is ∼100 K higher than the derived rotational temperature of the ν = 0 state: Tvib ∼ 200 K versus Trot = 104 ± 5 K. The brightness temperature derived from the continuum around the ν3 band (∼7.35 µm) of SO2 is ∼180 K, which confirms that the ν3 = 1 level is not collisionally populated but rather infrared-pumped by scattered radiation. This is also consistent with the non-detection of the ν2 bending mode at 18−20 µm. The similar rotational temperature derived from the MIRI-MRS and ALMA data implies that they are in fact tracing the same molecular gas. The inferred abundance of SO2 , determined using the LTE fit to the lines of the vibrational ground state in the ALMA data, is 1.0 ± 0.3 × 10−8 with respect to H2, which is on the lower side compared to interstellar and cometary ices (10−8−10−7). Conclusions. Given the rotational temperature, the extent of the emission (∼100 au in radius), and the narrow line widths in the ALMA data (∼3.5 km s−1), the SO2 in IRAS 2A likely originates from ice sublimation in the central hot core around the protostar rather than from an accretion shock at the disk–envelope boundary. Furthermore, this paper shows the importance of radiative pumping and of combining JWST observations with those from millimeter interferometers such as ALMA to probe the physics on disk scales and to infer molecular abundances.
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15. |
- Zannese, Marion, et al.
(author)
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OH as a probe of the warm-water cycle in planet-forming disks
- 2024
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In: Nature Astronomy. - 2397-3366. ; 8:5, s. 577-586
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Water is a key ingredient for the emergence of life as we know it. Yet, its destruction and reformation in space remain unprobed in warm gas (T > 300 K). Here we detect with the James Webb Space Telescope the emission of the hydroxyl radical (OH) from d203-506, a planet-forming disk exposed to external far-ultraviolet (FUV) radiation. These observations were made as part of the Early Release Science programme PDRs4All, which is focused on the Orion bar. The observed OH spectrum is compared with the results of quantum dynamical calculations to reveal two essential molecular processes. The highly excited rotational lines of OH in the mid-infrared are telltale signs of H2O destruction by FUV radiation. The OH rovibrational lines in the near-infrared are attributed to chemical excitation by the key reaction O + H-2 -> OH + H, which seeds the formation of water in the gas phase. These results show that under warm and irradiated conditions, water is destroyed and efficiently reformed through gas-phase reactions. We infer that, in this source, the equivalent of Earth oceans' worth of water is destroyed per month and replenished. This warm-water cycle could reprocess some water inherited from cold interstellar clouds and explain the lower deuterium fraction of water in Earth's oceans compared with that found around protostars.
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