Spectra of three nearby star-forming regions

The median mid-infrared spectra of objects in these three regions are similar in shape, suggesting, on average, similar disk structures. When normalized to the same stellar luminosity, the medians follow each other closely, implying comparable mid-infrared excess emission from the circumstellar disks.

We use the spectral index between 13 and 31um and the equivalent width of the 10um silicate emission feature to identify objects whose disk configuration departs from that of a continuous, optically thick accretion disk. Based on their medians and fraction of evolved disks, T Tauri stars in Taurus and Chamaeleon I are very alike.