An enigmatic point-like feature within the HD 169142 transitional disk

Abstract

We report the detection of a faint point-like feature possibly related to ongoing planet-formation in the disk of the transition disk star HD 169142. The point-like feature has a Δmag(L)6.4, at a separation of 0.″11 and position angle 0°. Given its lack of an H or KScounterpart despite its relative brightness, this candidate cannot be explained by purely photospheric emission and must be a disk feature heated by an as yet unknown source. Its extremely red colors make it highly unlikely to be a background object, but future multi-wavelength follow up is necessary for confirmation and characterization of this feature. © 2014. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved..