Magnetic fields in M dwarf stars from high-resolution infrared spectra
Abstract
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.
- Publication:
-
15th Cambridge Workshop on Cool Stars, Stellar Systems, and the Sun
- Pub Date:
- February 2009
- DOI:
- 10.1063/1.3099081
- Bibcode:
- 2009AIPC.1094..124K
- Keywords:
-
- 97.20.Vs;
- 32.30.Rj;
- 96.50.Bh;
- 97.10.Bt;
- Low luminosity stars subdwarfs and brown dwarfs;
- X-ray spectra;
- Interplanetary magnetic fields;
- Star formation;
- brown dwarfs;
- infrared spectra;
- magnetic fields;
- star formation