Spitzer Space Telescope - General Observer Proposal #3470


The mineralogy of proto-planetary disks surrounding Herbig Ae/Be stars

Principal Investigator: Jeroen Bouwman
           Institution: Max Planck Institute for Astronomy

Co-Investigators: 
R. van Boekel, Astronomical Institute University of Amsterdam         
C. Dominik, Astronomical Institute, University of Amsterdam           
A. de Koter, Astronomical Institute, University of Amsterdam          
C.P. Dullemond, MPA, Garching                                         
A Tielens, Kapteyn Institure, University of Groningen                 
L.B.F.M. Waters, Astronomical Institute University of Amsterdam       
Th Henning, Max Planck Institute for Astronomy                        
M. Min, Astronomical Institute, University of Amsterdam               
C. Waelkens, Astronomical Institute, University of Leuven             
M. van den Ancker, ESO, Garching                                      
Chr Leinert, MPIA, Heidelberg                                         
B. Vandenbussche, Astronomical Institute, University of Leuven        
Wing-Fai Thi, Astronomical Institute, University of Amsterdam         

Science Category: circumstellar/debris disks 
 Observing Modes: IrsStare 
  Hours Approved: 14.4 

Abstract:
We propose to use the IRS on board of the Spitzer Space Telescope to
study the mineralogy of dust in the planet-forming disks that surround
intermediate-mass pre-main-sequence stars.  The mid-infrared spectral
region has an amazing richness of solid state resonances of abundant
materials, that are sensitive to grain growth and grain processing.
Most importantly, such observations will probe the presence of
minerals that are also found to be common in the solar system.
Therefore, the proposed observations will provide a unique opportunity
to compare on-going planet formation with the historic records of the
formation of the solar system as found in meteorites, interplanetary
dust particles and comets.  Existing data sets show a tremendous
variation in spectral shape and dust composition, but sample size and
quality of the data preclude establishing clear trends.  A large
sample of stars is required to study the way interstellar dust grains
are processed to form new planetary systems.  The proposed
observations, in combination with the existing GTO and Legacy programs
will form a complete census of known nearby, isolated Herbig~Ae stars,
allowing for a systematic study into the evolution of planet-forming
disks.