A multiwavelength view of star-disk interaction in NGC 2264

Variability is a signature property of cool young stars, particularly for those surrounded by disks. Traditional single-band time series display complex features associated with accretion, disk structure, and accompanying stellar activity, but these processes are challenging to model. To make progress in connecting observed time domain properties with the underlying physics of young stars and their disks, we have embarked on an unprecedented multiwavelength monitoring campaign: the Coordinated Synoptic Investigation of NGC 2264 ("CSI 2264"). Beginning in December 2011, CSI 2264 has acquired 30 continuous days of mid-infrared time series from Spitzer, simultaneous optical monitoring from CoRoT and MOST, X-ray observations with Chandra, as well as complementary data from a number of ground-based telescopes. The extraordinary photometric precision, cadence, and time baseline of these observations enable detailed correlation of variability properties at different wavelengths, corresponding to locations from the stellar surface to the inner AU of the disk. We present the early results of the program, and discuss the need for further modeling efforts into young stars and their disks.
Comment: Astronomische Nachrichten (AN) Vol 334, in press; contribution to proceedings of the 17th Cambridge Workshop on Cool Stars, Stellar Systems and the Sun (ed. Strassmeier & Lopez-Morales); 4 pages, 4 figures