New magnetic field measurements of beta Cephei stars and Slowly Pulsating B stars

TL;DR

This study extends magnetic field measurements of B-type pulsating stars, revealing a significant fraction with magnetic fields and overlapping magnetic and non-magnetic stars in the H-R diagram, with no clear evolutionary pattern.

Contribution

It provides new magnetic field measurements for beta Cephei and Slowly Pulsating B stars, highlighting the prevalence of magnetism in these stars and their overlapping properties.

Findings

Approximately one third of beta Cephei stars have magnetic fields.

Up to 50% of Slowly Pulsating B stars show magnetism.

No clear correlation between magnetic fields and stellar evolution in the H-R diagram.

Abstract

We present the results of the continuation of our magnetic survey with FORS1 at the VLT of a sample of B-type stars consisting of confirmed or candidate beta Cephei stars and Slowly Pulsating B stars. Roughly one third of the studied beta Cephei stars have detected magnetic fields. The fraction of magnetic Slowly Pulsating B and candidate Slowly Pulsating B stars is found to be higher, up to 50%. We find that the domains of magnetic and non-magnetic pulsating stars in the H-R diagram largely overlap, and no clear picture emerges as to the possible evolution of the magnetic field across the main sequence.