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Abundant Refractory Sulfur in Protoplanetary Disks

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Abstract

Sulfur is one of the most abundant elements in the Universe, with important roles in astro-, geo-, and biochemistry. Its main reservoirs in planet-forming disks have previously eluded detection: gaseous molecules only account for <1% of total elemental sulfur, with the rest likely in either ices or refractory minerals. Mechanisms such as giant planets can filter out dust from gas accreting onto disk-hosting stars. For stars above 1.4 solar masses, this leaves a chemical signature on the stellar photosphere that can be used to determine the fraction of each element that is locked in dust. Here, we present an application of this method to sulfur, zinc, and sodium. We analyse the accretion-contaminated photospheres of a sample of young stars and find (89±8)% of elemental sulfur is in refractory form in their disks. The main carrier is much more refractory than water ice, consistent with sulfide minerals such as FeS.

Description

Keywords

Planet formation, Protoplanetary disks, Astrochemistry, Meteorite composition, Chemically peculiar stars

Journal Title

Astrophysical Journal

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0004-637X
1538-4357

Volume Title

885

Publisher

American Astronomical Society

Rights

All rights reserved
Sponsorship
Science and Technology Facilities Council (ST/N000927/1)
European Commission Horizon 2020 (H2020) Marie Sk?odowska-Curie actions (753799)