Resonances and Stellar Cycles: Observations and Modelling

TL;DR

This paper investigates how planetary gravitational interactions, especially from Jupiter, might modulate stellar magnetic activity cycles through weak parametric influences, affecting magnetic oscillations and potentially causing beat phenomena.

Contribution

It demonstrates that planetary influences are unlikely to determine the cycle formation but can modulate magnetic activity, introducing beat phenomena in stellar magnetic oscillations.

Findings

Weak planetary influences can modulate magnetic oscillations.

Parametric excitation can cause beat phenomena in stellar cycles.

Jupiter's influence may affect solar magnetic activity maxima and minima.

Abstract

In the paper we discuss the possibility of the influence of parametric excitation, in particular, planetary gravitational interaction, on the behavior of stellar magnetic activity cycles. Using the well-known Parker dynamo modeling, we demonstrate the doubtfulness of the fact that planetary rotation can be a determining factor in the formation of the cycle itself. However, we show that even a weak parametric influence can be sufficient to modulation of magnetic field oscillations, and, in particular, to the occurrence of beats. This result is discussed in the context of the influence of Jupiter on the occurrence of maxima and minima of the magnetic activity of our Sun.