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L.G. Mundy (Univ. of Maryland), L.w. Looney (Univ. of Illinois), N. Chapman (Univ. of Maryland)
High resolution millimeter and centimeter wavelength observations of the early stages of star formation, from deeply embedded protostars to visible T Tauri systems, provide information about the bulk material distribution within circumstellar disks. The continuum emission at these wavelength is unique in its ability to probe the cool to cold disk material beyond a few AU in early systems which still have significant gas and dust disks. The disk at radii from several to several tens of AU is the likely birth place of massive planets in quick planet formation scenarios.
We summarize observations which are beginning to elucidate the nature of early disks on scales from 10 to 100 AU. The growth of disks during the infall stage and the radiative interaction of the disk and envelope are likely controlling factor on their planet forming capability.
This work was supported by NASA grant NAG-510611 and NSF grant 9981289.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 35 #3
© 2003. The American Astronomical Soceity.