Magnetic activity in late-type giant stars: Numerical MHD simulations of non-linear dynamo action in Betelgeuse
Year: 2004
Type: article
Abstract: Evidence is presented from numerical magneto-hydrodynamical simulations for the existence of magnetic activity in late-type giant stars. A red supergiant with stellar parameters similar to that of Betelgeuse (α Orionis) is modeled as a “star-in-a-box” with the high-order “Pencil Code”. Both linear kinematic and non-linear saturated dynamo action are possible: the non-linear magnetic field saturates at a super-equipartition value corresponding to surface magnetic field of field strengths up to ~500 Gauss. In the linear regime two different modes of dynamo action are found with exponential growth rates of ~4 and 25 years, respectively. It is speculated that magnetic activity of late-type giants may influence dust and wind formation and possibly lead to the heating of the outer atmospheres of these stars.
Source: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Author: S. B. F. Dorch
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2103325914