Beam me up, Spotty: Toward a new understanding of the physics of massive star photospheres

TL;DR

This paper investigates the physics behind bright spots on massive star photospheres, using hydrodynamical simulations and photometry data to understand wind variability and the role of magnetic fields.

Contribution

It provides new hydrodynamical simulation results and analysis of bright spot properties, advancing understanding of wind variability in OB stars.

Findings

Hydrodynamical simulations constrain bright spot characteristics.

Photometry data supports the bright spot hypothesis.

Magnetic fields may cause bright spots and are potentially detectable.

Abstract

For 30 years, cyclical wind variability in OB stars has puzzled the astronomical community. Phenomenological models involving co-rotating bright spots provide a potential explanation for the observed variations, but the underlying physics remains unknown. We present recent results from hydrodynamical simulations constraining bright spot properties and compare them to what can be inferred from space-based photometry. We also explore the possibility that these spots are caused by magnetic fields and discuss the detectability of such fields.