Dust Morphology and Composition in FU Orionis Systems

Abstract

FU Orionis stars are a small group of pre-main-sequence stars known for large-amplitude optical variability. These objects also exhibit multiwavelength phenomena suggestive of active accretion from a circumstellar disk. We present high spatial resolution mid-IR imaging and spectroscopy, submillimeter photometry, and 3-4 μm photometry of four FU Ori-class objects, RNO 1B and C, Z CMa, and Par 21, and one object classified as a pre-FU Ori star, V380 Ori. We resolve multiple IR sources and extended emission in the RNO 1B/C system, and we discuss in detail their association with disk activity and the source of the Infrared Astronomical Satellite far-IR and radio maser emission in this field. We derive dust temperatures and masses for all sources and discuss how dust composition and morphology is related to the evolutionary stage of these objects. © 2005. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.