``Infrared images of HL Tau: Scattering from an inclined, flaring disk''

Abstract:

We present high resolution, 2-D, near-infrared (J to L bands) images of the young stellar object HL Tau, taken with an infrared camera. These images show that light from the central young star scatters off a surrounding thick (geometrically flaring) disk. The disk is tilted by 20-30 toward the line of sight. The disk's radius is 500 AU and its mass is at least 0.01-0.1 M depending on grain composition.