Deep inside low-mass stars

TL;DR

This review discusses complex physical processes in low-mass stars, highlighting observational evidence and the effects of atomic diffusion, rotation-induced mixing, and gravity waves on their evolution.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the interactions between various transport processes in low-mass stars, emphasizing recent observational and theoretical insights.

Findings

Atomic diffusion significantly affects stellar surface compositions.

Rotation-induced mixing influences chemical distribution and angular momentum.

Internal gravity waves impact stellar internal dynamics and evolution.

Abstract

Low-mass stars exhibit, at all stages of their evolution, the signatures of complex physical processes that require challenging modeling beyond standard stellar theory. In this review, we recall the most striking observational evidences that probe the interaction and interdependence of various transport processes of chemicals and angular momentum in these objects. We then focus on the impact of atomic diffusion, large scale mixing due to rotation, and internal gravity waves on stellar properties on the main sequence and slightly beyond.