Real-time Early Solar System Evolution in RW Auriga A: A New Major Dimming Event has Started in 2025 February
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: In this Note1 we introduce the problem of the highly dynamic T Tauri system RWAurA, and, using new analyses of lightcurves and imaged jet structures, its potential for understanding early solar system formation processes. In the following Note2 we describe how new physical modeling strengthens our arguments for the dynamic behavior of RWAurA arising from a migrating, differentiated, tidally disrupted Vesta-sized planetesimal. In the past two decades, the system’s lightcurve has undergone extreme excursions, dropping by up to 3 mag versus the normal median level. Of most importance here is the lightcurve event of 2014–2020, and the new major lightcurve downturn event that started in 2025 February (C. M. Lisse et al. 2025 CBAT). As we are finding that RWAurA is a solar system-sized laboratory allowing real-time study of early solar system formation processes, the new system-wide event needs to be observed on daily timescales for the next few years.
Source: Research Notes of the AAS
Institutions: Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Space Science Institute, Harvard University, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Center for Astrophysics Harvard & Smithsonian, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Clemson University, Space Telescope Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Planetary Science Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Purdue University West Lafayette, Boston University, Dublin Institute For Advanced Studies, Towson University, Pennsylvania State University
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4415252896