Incorporating magnetic field observations in wind models of low-mass stars

TL;DR

This paper introduces a 3D stellar wind model for cool stars that incorporates observational magnetic field data to better understand wind-planet and wind-ISM interactions.

Contribution

It presents a novel 3D wind model using magnetic maps as boundary conditions, improving realism over previous models.

Findings

Enhanced understanding of stellar wind interactions with exoplanets and ISM.

Improved wind characterization through magnetic field observations.

Potential implications for cosmic ray propagation.

Abstract

Stellar winds of cool, main-sequence stars are very tenuous and difficult to observe. Despite carrying away only a small amount of the stellar mass, they are important for regulating the rotation of the star and, consequently, its activity and magnetism. As it permeates the interplanetary space, the stellar wind interacts with any exoplanet encountered on its way, until it reaches the interstellar medium (ISM). These interactions can result in complex physical processes that depend on the characteristics of the wind. To better constrain the wind characteristics, more realistic wind models that account for factors such as stellar rotation and the complex/diverse observationally-derived stellar magnetic field configurations of cool stars are required. In this paper, I present a three-dimensional model of the wind of cool stars, which adopt as boundary condition observationally-derived magnetic maps. I also discuss how these studies are relevant for, e.g., the characterisation of the interaction between stellar winds and planets/ISM, and the propagation of cosmic rays.