Observations and Models of Quiescent M Dwarf Chromospheres
Abstract
Using simultaneous observations of the Hα and Ca II K lines for a sample of M3 dwarfs, we investigate the temperature structure required to produce the spectral signatures of chromospheric activity in low mass stars. Combined, the Hα and Ca II K data provide a rich set of observational challenges to theory. We apply these data as empirical constraints for new static models of quiescent M dwarf atmospheres. Using these models, we find that single component model atmospheres are able to provide a satisfactory description of weakly active M dwarfs, but more active stars require two component models, with different temperature structures for active and basal regions of the chromosphere.
- Publication:
-
15th Cambridge Workshop on Cool Stars, Stellar Systems, and the Sun
- Pub Date:
- February 2009
- DOI:
- 10.1063/1.3099209
- Bibcode:
- 2009AIPC.1094..696W
- Keywords:
-
- 97.20.Vs;
- 96.60.Na;
- 97.10.Jb;
- Low luminosity stars subdwarfs and brown dwarfs;
- Chromosphere;
- Stellar activity;
- brown dwarfs;
- chromosphere;
- star formation