Debris Disks and the Formation of Planets: a Symposium in Memory of Fred Gillett

An overview regarding planetary debris disks: First, more history to complement Low and Aumann’s summary appearing elsewhere in this volume. Then, commentary on the nature of debris disks and what we’ve learned from them: properties of the original “Fabulous Four” archetypes, results from surveys showing that a large fraction of ordinary stars may be hosts for debris disks, and relatively detailed discussion of β Pictoris, the most prominent disk. Finally, discussion of the connection between debris disks, our solar system’s Kuiper Belt, and the zodiacal dust cloud. Open questions about these objects will be highlighted which can lead on to the remainder of the proceedings.