Systematic detection of magnetic fields in massive, late-type supergiants

TL;DR

This study systematically detects magnetic fields in massive late-type supergiants using spectropolarimetry, revealing complex, often variable magnetic signatures likely generated by dynamo processes.

Contribution

First systematic detection of magnetic fields in massive late-type supergiants using spectropolarimetry, showing complex magnetic topologies and variability.

Findings

Magnetic signatures detected in one-third of observed supergiants.

Magnetic fields are topologically complex and often variable.

Weak correlation between magnetic field strength and CaII K emission.

Abstract

We report the systematic detection of magnetic fields in massive (M > 5 M$_\odot$) late-type supergiants, using spectropolarimetric observations obtained with ESPaDOnS at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope. Our observations reveal detectable Stokes V Zeeman signatures in Least-Squares Deconvolved mean line profiles in one-third of the observed sample of more than 30 stars. The signatures are sometimes complex, revealing multiple reversals across the line. The corresponding longitudinal magnetic field is seldom detected, although our longitudinal field error bars are typically 0.3 G ($1\sigma$). These characteristics suggest topologically complex magnetic fields, presumably generated by dynamo action. The Stokes V signatures of some targets show clear time variability, indicating either rotational modulation or intrinsic evolution of the magnetic field. We also observe a weak correlation between the unsigned longitudinal magnetic field and the CaII K core emission equivalent width of the active G2Iab supergiant $\beta$~Dra and the G8Ib supergiant $\epsilon$~Gem.