演講資訊

摘要：

lanet formation is a rapidly developing field in astrophysics, driven by the continuous discovery of new extra-solar planets. Exoplanetary systems exhibit a wide range of orbital configurations likely related to their formation environment --- protoplanetary disks surrounding young stars. Recent high resolution observations of protoplanetary disks have started to provide a direct look into the planet-formation process itself. Observations show that protoplanetary disks contain rich sub-structures such as gaps, rings, spirals, and lopsided or asymmetric dust distributions. I will discuss how protoplanetary disk sub-structures may be the footprints of ongoing planet formation and disk-planet interaction. For example, asymmetric disks have been interpreted as a result of vortex formation in the disk. I will describe current efforts in understanding the physical origin and evolution of sub-structures such as disk vortices; along with recent developments in disk hydrodynamics and their role in planet formation theory.