Magnetic fields in M dwarf stars from high-resolution infrared spectra

Summary, in English

Magnetic fields play a central role in the atmospheric properties and variability of active M dwarfs. Information on the strength and structure of magnetic fields in these objects is vital for understanding dynamo mechanisms and magnetically-driven activity of low-mass stars, and for constraining theories of star formation and evolution. We have initiated the first systematic high-resolution survey of magnetically sensitive infrared spectral lines in M dwarf stars using the CRIRES instrument at the ESO VLT. We have completed observations for a sample of 35 active and inactive M dwarfs. Here we report first results of our project, demonstrating a clear detection of magnetic splitting of lines in the spectra of several M dwarfs. We assess diagnostic potential of different Zeeman-sensitive lines in the observed spectral region and apply spectrum synthesis modelling to infer magnetic field properties of selected M dwarfs.

• Author: O. Kochukhov; U. Heiter; N. Piskunov; Nils Ryde; B. Gustafsson; S. Bagnulo; B. Plez
• Department/s: Lund Observatory - Has been reorganised
• Publishing year: 2009
• Language: English
• Pages: 124-129
• Publication/Series: AIP Conference Proceedings
• Volume: 1094
• Links: http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3099081
• Document type: Conference paper
• Publisher: American Institute of Physics (AIP)
• Topic: Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology
• Conference name: Cool stars, stellar systems and the sun. Proceedings of the 15th Cambridge Workshop
• Conference date: 2008-07-21 - 2008-07-25
• Status: Published
• Research group: Observational and Theoretical Astrophysics
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISBN: 978-0-7354-0627-8