We present multi-epoch Spitzer Space Telescope observations of the transitional disk LRLL 31 in the 2-3 Myr-old star forming region IC 348. Our measurements show remarkable mid-infrared variability on timescales as short as one week. The infrared continuum emission exhibits systematic wavelength-dependent changes that suggest corresponding dynamical changes in the inner disk structure and variable shadowing of outer disk material. We propose several possible sources for the structural changes, including a variable accretion rate or a stellar or planetary companion embedded in the disk. Our results indicate that variability studies in the infrared can provide important new constraints on protoplanetary disk behavior.
@article{arxiv.0909.5201,
title = {Evidence for Dynamical Changes in a Transitional Protoplanetary Disk with Mid-infrared Variability},
author = {James Muzerolle and Kevin Flaherty and Zoltan Balog and Elise Furlan and Paul S. Smith and Lori Allen and Nuria Calvet and Paola D'Alessio and S. Thomas Megeath and August Muench and George H. Rieke and William H. Sherry},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0909.5201},
year = {2015}
}