Infrared observations and thermal models of the Beta Pictoris disk

Backman, D.E.; Witteborn, F.C.; Gillett, F.C.

doi:10.1086/170973

Infrared observations and thermal models of the Beta Pictoris disk

D.E. Backman
(
- NASA, Ames
)
,
F.C. Witteborn
(
- Kitt Peak Observ.
)
,
F.C. Gillett
(
- NASA, Ames
)

Feb, 1992

10 pages

Published in:

Astrophys.J. 385 (1992) 670-679

DOI:

10.1086/170973

View in:

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Abstract: (ADS)

Measurements of the flux from the central portion of the Beta Pic disk performed via photometry at 3.5-20 microns in 4- and 8-arcsec apertures are presented. The 10.1- and 20-micron measurements show an excess which is extended, with significant flux located in the annulus between 4- and 8-arcsec diameter centered on the star. Disk models are calculated to reproduce the ground-based IR data, IRAS fluxes, IRAS 60-micron scan profile widths, and optical scattered light distribution. The color temperature and angular scale of the disk are found to be inconsistent with emission from large ('blackbody') particles: most of the thermal emission originates from particles which are inefficient radiators, with sizes near 1 micron. A simple disk with a single power-law spatial distribution is inconsistent with the combined optical and IR data. The inner disk component represents a gross deficit of material relative to an inward extrapolation of the outer component.

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