Thermal generation of the magnetic field in the surface layers of massive stars

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel magnetic field-generation mechanism in hot massive stars' surface layers, driven by the Nernst effect in regions with inverse temperature gradients, expanding understanding of stellar magnetism.

Contribution

It introduces a new magnetic field-generation mechanism based on the Nernst effect applicable to the upper atmospheres of O and B stars.

Findings

Mechanism operates in inverse temperature gradient regions.

Potential to explain observed magnetic fields in massive stars.

Expands theoretical models of stellar magnetic field origins.

Abstract

A new magnetic field-generation mechanism based on the Nernst effect is considered in hot massive stars. This mechanism can operate in the upper atmospheres of O and B stars where departures from the LTE form a region with the inverse temperature gradient.