Resolving the cold debris disc around a planet-hosting star. PACS photometric imaging observations of q1 Eridani (HD 10647, HR 506)
Journal article, 2010

Context. About two dozen exo-solar debris systems have been spatially resolved. These debris discs commonly display a variety of structural features such as clumps, rings, belts, excentric distributions and spiral patterns. In most cases, these features are believed to be formed, shaped and maintained by the dynamical influence of planets orbiting the host stars. In very few cases has the presence of the dynamically important planet(s) been inferred from direct observation. Aims. The solar-type star q(1) Eri is known to be surrounded by debris, extended on scales of less than or similar to 30 ''. The star is also known to host at least one planet, albeit on an orbit far too small to make it responsible for structures at distances of tens to hundreds of AU. The aim of the present investigation is twofold: to determine the optical and material properties of the debris and to infer the spatial distribution of the dust, which may hint at the presence of additional planets. Methods. The Photodetector Array Camera and Spectrometer (PACS) aboard the Herschel Space Observatory allows imaging observations in the far infrared at unprecedented resolution, i.e. at better than 6 '' to 12 '' over the wavelength range of 60 mu m to 210 mu m. Together with the results from ground-based observations, these spatially resolved data can be modelled to determine the nature of the debris and its evolution more reliably than what would be possible from unresolved data alone. Results. For the first time has the q(1) Eri disc been resolved at far infrared wavelengths. The PACS observations at 70 mu m, 100 mu m and 160 mu m reveal an oval image showing a disc-like structure in all bands, the size of which increases with wavelength. Assuming a circular shape yields the inclination of its equatorial plane with respect to that of the sky, i > 53 degrees. The results of image de-convolution indicate that i likely is larger than 63 degrees, where 90 degrees corresponds to an edge-on disc. Conclusions. The observed emission is thermal and optically thin. The resolved data are consistent with debris at temperatures below 30 K at radii larger than 120 AU. From image de-convolution, we find that q(1) Eri is surrounded by an about 40 AU wide ring at the radial distance of similar to 85 AU. This is the first real Edgeworth-Kuiper Belt analogue ever observed.

systems

planetary

belt

HR 506

HIP 7978)

stars: formation

spitzer

stars: individual: q(1) Eri (HD 10647

circumstellar matter

hst

Author

René Liseau

Chalmers, Earth and Space Sciences, Radio Astronomy and Astrophysics

C. Eiroa

Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (UAM)

D. Fedele

Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (UAM)

Max Planck Society

Johns Hopkins University

J. C. Augereau

Grenoble Alpes University

G. Olofsson

AlbaNova University Center

B. Gonzalez

European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC)

J. Maldonado

Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (UAM)

B. Montesinos

Centro de Astrobiologia (CAB)

A. Mora

European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC)

Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (UAM)

O. Absil

University of Liège

D. R. Ardila

Spitzer Science Center

D. Barrado

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Centro de Astrobiologia (CAB)

Calar Alto Astronomical Observatory

A. Bayo

Centro de Astrobiologia (CAB)

European Southern Observatory Santiago

C. Beichman

UNINOVA-CA3

G. Bryden

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology

W. Danchi

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

C. del Burgo

UNINOVA-CA3

S. Ertel

University of Kiel

Malcolm Fridlund

European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESA ESTEC)

A. Heras

European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESA ESTEC)

A. Krivov

Friedrich Schiller University Jena

R. Launhardt

Max Planck Society

J. Lebreton

Grenoble Alpes University

T. Lohne

Friedrich Schiller University Jena

J. P. Marshall

Open University

G. Meeus

Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (UAM)

S. Muller

Friedrich Schiller University Jena

G.L. Pilbratt

European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESA ESTEC)

A. Roberge

UNINOVA-CA3

J. Rodmann

Materials Space Evaluation and Radiation Effects Section

E. Solano

Centro de Astrobiologia (CAB)

K. R. Stapelfeldt

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology

P. Thebault

Observatoire de Paris-Meudon

G. J. White

STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory

Open University

S. Wolf

University of Kiel

Astronomy and Astrophysics

0004-6361 (ISSN) 1432-0746 (eISSN)

Vol. 518 Article Number: L132 L132

Subject Categories

Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology

DOI

10.1051/0004-6361/201014601

More information

Latest update

4/20/2023