First JWST-MIRI MRS results on the PDS 70 planet-forming disk

Giulia Perotti

Thursday, Dec. 8th, 15:00CET

Protoplanetary disks (PPDs) represent the evolutionary link between molecular clouds and planets. Knowledge of their molecular inventory is the key to unveil the chemical trail leading to life, yet too few observational constraints of PPDs exist at infrared wavelengths, especially in the mid-IR. This wavelength regime enables to study the emission of molecular hydrogen, PAH, refractory material, and ultimately absorption of ice species in protoplanetary disks. Compared to previous mid-IR facilities, the JWST MIRI instrument offers unprecedented sensitivity, spatial resolution, and spectral coverage. In this occasion, we will present the first JWST MIRI observations of the planet-forming PDS 70 disk as part of the MIRI Mid-INfrared Disk Survey (MINDS) GTO program (Th. Henning, I. Kamp co-Is). We will reveal the chemical composition of the gas and dust forming in this iconic disk at a spectral and spatial resolution it was never observed before in the mid-IR. In particular, we will probe the inner disk composition (< 10 AU) and present JWST MIRI MRS 5-20 micron spectra of the upper disk surface. In tandem with high-resolution ALMA data, we will be able to link the astrochemical processes leading to the inner disk composition with the molecular inventory observed in the outer disk.