Dynamical Effects of Shadows in Transition Disks—Theory, 3D Radiation-Hydrodynamics, and Observational Signatures

Explore the complex dynamics of shadows in transition disks through this 25-minute conference talk by Shangjia Zhang from Columbia University. Presented at the "Planets on the Edge" KITP conference held at UC Santa Barbara in May 2025, this lecture delves into the theory, 3D radiation-hydrodynamics, and observational signatures of shadow effects in transition disks. The talk contributes to broader conference themes examining Earth-sized planets in inner protoplanetary disks, addressing questions about the nature of close-in rocky planets, their formation processes, governing parameters across star systems, and why similar planets don't exist in our solar system. The presentation is part of a collaborative effort coordinated by experts Myriam Benisty, Eric Gaidos, Neal J. Turner, and Ruth Murray-Clay to synthesize current knowledge and advance understanding through observations, theory, and computational modeling.