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The evolution of stellar surface activity and possible effects on exoplanets

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 August 2011

Mark S. Giampapa
Mark S. Giampapa*
Affiliation:
National Solar Observatory/NOAO 950 N. Cherry Ave., POB 26732, Tucson, ArizonaUSA85726-6732 email: giampapa@noao.edu
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Abstract

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The evolution of stellar activity involves a complex interplay between the interior dynamo mechanism, the emergent magnetic field configurations and their coupling with stellar winds, the subsequent angular momentum evolution, and fundamental stellar parameters. The discussion of the evolution of surface activity will emphasize the main sequence phase, from the ZAMS to stars of solar-age. We will focus particularly on the evolution of the fractional area coverages of spots on the surfaces of solar-type stars. We fit an empirical relation to the fractional mean spot area coverage as a function of age for ages greater than the Pleiades of the form log(MeanSpotCoverage) = 0.90(±0.26) − 1.03(±0.10)log(Age), where Age is in Myr. In addition, we summarize the relative evolution of radiative emissions in various short wavelength bands that are associated with stellar magnetic field-related activity. Possible effects on young planetary atmospheres also are appropriate to consider given that stellar surface activity is the origin of the high-energy component of the ambient radiation and particle fields in which planetary atmosphere evolution occurs.

Keywords

Stars:spotsstars:activitystars:planetary systems
Type
Contributed Papers
Information
Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union , Volume 6 , Symposium S273: The Physics of Sun and Star Spots , August 2010 , pp. 68 - 73
Copyright
Copyright © International Astronomical Union 2011

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