THE EFFECT OF MAGNETIC SPOTS ON STELLAR WINDS AND ANGULAR MOMENTUM LOSS
- Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden St., Cambridge, MA 02138 (United States)
- Center for Space Environment Modeling, University of Michigan, 2455 Hayward St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109 (United States)
We simulate the effect of latitudinal variations in the location of star spots, as well as their magnetic field strength, on stellar angular momentum loss (AML) to the stellar wind. We use the Michigan solar corona global magnetohydrodynamic model, which incorporates realistic relation between the magnetic field topology and the wind distribution. We find that the spots' location significantly affects the stellar wind structure, and as a result, the total mass loss rate and AML rate. In particular, we find that the AML rate is controlled by the mass flux when spots are located at low latitudes but is controlled by an increased plasma density between the stellar surface and the Alfven surface when spots are located at high latitudes. Our results suggest that there might be a feedback mechanism between the magnetic field distribution, wind distribution, AML through the wind, and the motions at the convection zone that generate the magnetic field. This feedback might explain the role of coronal magnetic fields in stellar dynamos.
- OSTI ID:
- 21333743
- Journal Information:
- Astrophysical Journal, Vol. 699, Issue 2; Other Information: DOI: 10.1088/0004-637X/699/2/1501; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0004-637X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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