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Multiple Stellar Fly-Bys Sculpting the Circumstellar Architecture in RW Aurigae

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Rodriguez, Joseph E 
Loomis, Ryan 
Cabrit, Sylvie 
Haworth, Thomas J 
Facchini, Stefano 

Abstract

We present high-resolution ALMA Band 6 and 7 observations of the tidally disrupted protoplanetary disks of the RW Aurigae binary. Our observations reveal the presence of additional tidal streams to the previously observed tidal arm around RW Aur A. The observed configuration of tidal streams surrounding RW Aur A and B is incompatible with a single star--disk tidal encounter, suggesting that the RW Aurigae system has undergone multiple fly-by interactions. We also resolve the circumstellar disks around RW Aur A and B, with CO radii of 58 au and 38 au consistent with tidal truncation, and 2.5 times smaller dust emission radii. The disks appear misaligned by 12 or 57. Using new photometric observations from the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) and All Sky Automated Survey for SuperNovae (ASAS-SN) archives, we have also identified an additional dimming event of the primary that began in late 2017 and is currently ongoing. With over a century of photometric observations, we are beginning to explore the same spatial scales as ALMA.

Description

Keywords

astro-ph.SR, astro-ph.SR

Journal Title

Astrophysical Journal

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1538-4357

Volume Title

859

Publisher

University of Chicago Press
Sponsorship
European Research Council (341137)
Science and Technology Facilities Council (ST/N000927/1)