Colloquium Abstract - Sheehan - 2024Oct10

October 10, 2024

11:00am Mountain

Patrick Sheehan (NRAO)

 

Unveiling Planet Formation in the Youngest Disks

 

Abstract

The high resolution imaging of protoplanetary disks by ALMA has demonstrated that substructures, most frequently in the form of narrow rings and gaps, in disks appear to be ubiquitous by ages of 1-10 Myr. This surprising development suggests that planet formation may begin earlier than previously expected, at times <1 Myr, while star and disk are still in their infancy. In this talk, I will discuss my ongoing work to characterize the state of planet formation in these young disks. This includes, in particular, efforts to study the bulk demographics (such as mass and size) of embedded disks through radiative transfer modeling of a sample of ~100 young disks as a part of the VANDAM: Orion Survey to understand the initial conditions present in disks for planet formation. I will also discuss my work to search for and characterize the substructures present in these young, to understand if and how these features that may be related to planet formation manifest at early times..


Local Host: John Tobin

Connect with NRAO

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Green Bank Observatory are facilities of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."

AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.