Emission from the Centrifugal Magnetospheres of Magnetic B-type Stars

TL;DR

This paper reviews the theory and observations of centrifugal magnetospheres in magnetic B-type stars, compares them to classical Be stars, and presents preliminary population study results to better understand this stellar subclass.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive review of CM theory, highlights current challenges, and offers new preliminary data on the properties of CM-hosting B-type stars.

Findings

CM host stars show distinct observational properties from classical Be stars.

Preliminary population study reveals characteristics of magnetic B-type stars with CMs.

Theoretical and observational problems in understanding CMs are identified.

Abstract

Approximately 10% of B-type stars possess strong magnetic fields, and of these, 25% host centrifugal magnetospheres (CMs) in which the radiative wind, magnetic field, and rotational support interact to form a dense circumstellar plasma visible in a variety of diagnostic lines. In this article we review the basic theory behind CMs, outline current theoretical and observational problems, compare the observational properties of CM host stars to those of classical Be stars, and finally present preliminary results of a population study aimed at clarifying the characteristics of this growing sub-class.