Probing the magnetosphere of the M8.5 dwarf TVLM513-46546 by modelling its auroral radio emission. Hint of star exoplanet interaction?

TL;DR

This study models the auroral radio emission of the ultra-cool dwarf TVLM513-46546 to understand its magnetic field topology and explore potential star-planet interactions influencing its radio pulses.

Contribution

The paper introduces a 3D model of auroral radio emission accounting for non-dipolar magnetic fields and star-planet interactions, applied to observational data of TVLM513-46546.

Findings

Magnetic field topology consistent with observed pulse patterns.

Model can simulate both single and double-peaked pulses.

Evidence suggesting possible star-planet interaction effects.

Abstract

In this paper we simulate the cyclic circularly-polarised pulses of the ultra-cool dwarf TVLM513-46546, observed with the VLA at 4.88 and 8.44 GHz on May 2006, by using a 3D model of the auroral radio emission from the stellar magnetosphere. During this epoch, the radio light curves are characterised by two pulses left-hand polarised at 4.88 GHz, and one doubly-peaked (of opposite polarisations) pulse at 8.44 GHz. To take into account the possible deviation from the dipolar symmetry of the stellar magnetic field topology, the model described in this paper is also able to simulate the auroral radio emission from a magnetosphere shaped like an offset-dipole. To reproduce the timing and pattern of the observed pulses, we explored the space of parameters controlling the auroral beaming pattern and the geometry of the magnetosphere. Through the analysis of the TVLM513-46546 auroral radio emission, we derive some indications on the magnetospheric field topology that is able to simultaneously reproduce the timing and patterns of the auroral pulses measured at 4.88 and 8.44 GHz. Each set of model solutions simulates two auroral pulses (singly or doubly peaked) per period. To explain the presence of only one 8.44 GHz pulse per period, we analyse the case of auroral radio emission limited only to a magnetospheric sector activated by an external body, like the case of the interaction of Jupiter with its moons.