# Time-resolved protoplanetary disk physics in DQ Tau with JWST

**Authors:** Á. Kóspál, P. Ábrahám, V. V. Akimkin, L. Chen, J. Forbrich, K. V. Getman, B. Portilla-Revelo, D. Semenov, S. E. van Terwisga, J. Varga, L. Zwicky, G. G. Balázs, Zs. Bora, Á. Horti-Dávid, A. P. Joó, W. Ogłoza, B. Seli, M. Siwak, Á. Sódor, N. Takács  
**arXiv:** [2508.19701](https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.19701)  
**Date:** 2025-08-27  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/arxiv-id/2508.19701v1/

## Key points

- Study focuses on accretion variability in young stellar objects (YSOs), specifically eccentric binary system DQ Tau
- Comprehensive multi-wavelength campaign conducted using JWST/MIRI spectra to capture high accretion and quiescence phases
- Variations in accretion luminosity measured through optical and near-infrared spectroscopy and photometry
- Inner disk's dynamic nature revealed through decomposition of spectral energy distributions (SEDs)
- Fluctuations in temperature, luminosity, and location of inner dust rim observed in response to stellar movements and changes in accretion rate
- Anti-correlation between rim temperature and silicate feature strength noted due to variable shadowing effects on outer disk
- Dust mineralogy analysis showed dominance of large amorphous olivine and pyroxene grains with smaller fractions of crystalline forsterite
- Correlations found between molecular features such as CO, HCN, hot H2O, [NeII] line luminosity, and variations in accretion rate
- Warm and cold H2O components remained relatively stable throughout the study period
- CO emission from a hot region within the dust sublimation radius proved sensitive to changes in accretion rate
- Comparative analysis highlighted unique characteristics of DQ Tau compared to other T Tauri disks, including being highly C-poor and exhibiting moderately inefficient pebble drift processes
- Study emphasizes how moderate fluctuations in accretion rates can impact thermal structures within planet-forming disk regions over short timescales

## Summary

In this study, the researchers delve into the intricate dynamics of accretion variability in young stellar objects (YSOs), focusing on the eccentric binary system DQ Tau. Previous research has shed light on the impact of large outbursts on disks surrounding YSOs, but the effects of moderate bursts remain less understood. To address this gap in knowledge, a comprehensive multi-wavelength campaign was organized, centered around four JWST/MIRI spectra capturing three periastrons (high accretion state) and one apastron (quiescence) phase. Through a combination of optical and near-infrared spectroscopy and photometry, the team meticulously measured variations in accretion luminosity. By decomposing multi-epoch spectral energy distributions (SEDs) into distinct components - stellar, accretion, and rim - they were able to discern the inner disk's highly dynamic nature. The temperature, luminosity, and location of the inner dust rim exhibited fluctuations in response to stellar movements and changes in accretion rate (L_acc). This led to variable shadowing effects on the outer disk, resulting in an intriguing anti-correlation between rim temperature and silicate feature strength. Furthermore, analysis of dust mineralogy revealed a consistent composition dominated by large amorphous olivine and pyroxene grains with smaller fractions of crystalline forsterite. Molecular features such as CO (1550-2260 K), HCN (880-980 K), hot H2O (740-860 K), as well as the luminosity of [NeII] line showed correlations with accretion rate variations. Interestingly, warm (650 K) and cold (170-200 K) H2O components remained relatively stable throughout. Notably, CO emission originating from a hot (>1500 K) region likely within the dust sublimation radius proved to be particularly sensitive to changes in L_acc. Comparative analysis with other T Tauri disks highlighted DQ Tau's unique characteristics - notably being highly C-poor and exhibiting moderately inefficient pebble drift processes. In conclusion, this study underscores how even moderate fluctuations in accretion rates can significantly impact thermal structures within planet-forming disk regions over short timescales. The findings provide valuable insights into disk evolution processes and serve as a crucial benchmark for further understanding the complexities of YSO systems like DQ Tau.