Stars at High Spatial Resolution

TL;DR

This paper discusses the potential of sub-milliarcsecond UV-Optical imaging using space-based interferometers to revolutionize our understanding of stellar processes and evolution.

Contribution

It highlights the scientific opportunities enabled by high-resolution space interferometry for studying stellar dynamics and structure.

Findings

Enables detailed observation of magnetic fields, accretion, and pulsations.

Reveals dynamic processes affecting star formation and evolution.

Requires space-based long-baseline interferometers with apertures over 500 m.

Abstract

We summarize some of the compelling new scientific opportunities for understanding stars and stellar systems that can be enabled by sub-milliarcsec (sub-mas) angular resolution, UV-Optical spectral imaging observations, which can reveal the details of the many dynamic processes (e.g., evolving magnetic fields, accretion, convection, shocks, pulsations, winds, and jets) that affect stellar formation, structure, and evolution. These observations can only be provided by long-baseline interferometers or sparse aperture telescopes in space, since the aperture diameters required are in excess of 500 m (a regime in which monolithic or segmented designs are not and will not be feasible) and since they require observations at wavelengths (UV) not accessible from the ground. Such observational capabilities would enable tremendous gains in our understanding of the individual stars and stellar systems that are the building blocks of our Universe and which serve as the hosts for life throughout the Cosmos.