Project Overview
Constraining Magnetic Activity and Spot Sizes on Young Stars
Department(s)
Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
Our understanding of the formation and evolution of stars and their planetary systems depends on our ability to constrain their most fundamental characteristics like mass, luminosity, temperature, and age. The nautre of the atmosphere of these young stars directly impact these observable and model-dependent characteristics. The heightened magnetic activity associated with these stars leads to the formation of large inhomogeneities on their surfaces, leading to significant portions of their surfaces to be covered in cool, star spots. The star formation field is only now beginning to realize the extent to which spots on the stellar surfaces impact our general understanding of masses and ages of stars and the timescales involved with the formation of planets as well as the internal structure of the stars themselves. This project will focus on theoretical modeling of stellar spectra to both measure the spot activity on a number of young, low-mass stars as well as attempt to constrain their magnetic activity.
Student Qualifications
Students should have a basic understanding of Python programming. Having taken ASTR 210 or ASTR 312 is a plus, but not a requirement.
Project Length
6-8 weeks
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