Final Report Summary - DEBRIS (Debris in extrasolar planetary systems)
Since these observations probed previously unexplored physics, new modelling techniques were developed in the course of the project with which to interpret these observations. These models involved the dynamical interaction between the debris and planets and stars, collisions amongst the debris, and the evolution of the gaseous component. Modelling of the debris disk images was used to gain an insight into the planetary systems also thought to be orbiting these stars, both in terms of where there may be planets today, and how those planets formed and evolved. A correlation between the presence of debris and low-mass planets was discovered emphasising the connection between these two components of the planetary system. The project also demonstrated how debris disk structure is strongly influenced by the presence of other stars in the system, and elucidated the links between the cold (outer) and hot (inner) regions of debris disks. The unexpected discovery of gas in many debris disk systems was used to show that the planetesimals in these disks have a similar composition to comets in the Solar System.
As well as having a significant impact on the field of debris disks, the project also had a broader impact on the study of extrasolar planets, planet formation and protoplanetary disk evolution.