Discussion of stellar activity evolution and planet atmosphere protection as a context for basic dynamo principles

by Eric G. Blackman (University of Rochester)

Tuesday 14 Mar 2023, 15:00 → 16:00 Europe/Stockholm

https://stockholmuniversity.zoom.us/j/940229961

Understanding the coupled spin-activity evolution of stars is of interest both for the basic physics of rotating stellar evolution and stellar activity, for determining stellar ages via gyrochronology, and for quantifying the influence of stellar activity on companion planetary atmospheres. Since stellar activity is magnetic activity, this enterprise requires understanding how magnetic field growth, x-ray production, mass loss, and spin down are all coupled.   This, in turn, puts a spotlight on some basic principles of dynamo theory and some long standing questions if we are to improve  semi-empirical modeling of stellar activity evolution to be rooted with more physics.  I will discuss some aspects of this  enterprise, the connection to these basic principles, and some connections to planets and  atmosphere protection.
 

Blackman_2023-03-14.mp4