Bridging Solar and Stellar Physics: Role of SDO in Understanding Stellar Active Regions and Atmospheric Heating

TL;DR

This paper reviews how NASA's SDO instrument suite enhances our understanding of stellar magnetic activity and atmospheric heating by linking detailed solar observations with distant stellar phenomena, advancing astrophysical models.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive framework integrating solar and stellar physics through SDO data, enabling new insights into magnetic activity and atmospheric heating in stars.

Findings

Characterization of active regions across solar and stellar contexts

Universal relationships in atmospheric heating mechanisms

Reconstruction of stellar X-ray and UV spectra from solar data

Abstract

The solar-stellar connection provides a unique framework for understanding magnetic activity and atmospheric heating across a broad spectrum of stars. Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) of NASA, equipped with the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager, Atmospheric Imaging Assembly, and Extreme ultraviolet Variability Experiment, has enabled detailed Sun-as-a-star studies that bridge solar and stellar physics. Integrating spatially resolved solar observations into disk-integrated datasets, these studies provide insights into magnetic activity occurring in distant stars. This review highlights key results from recent analyses that employed all three SDO instruments to characterize active regions, quantify universal heating relationships, and reconstruct stellar X-ray and ultraviolet spectra. We discuss how these findings advance our understanding of stellar magnetic activity, provide predictive tools for exoplanetary environments, and outline future directions for applying solar-based frameworks to diverse stellar populations.