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Context. Betelgeuse is an M-type supergiant that presents a circularly polarized (Stokes V) signal in its line profiles, interpreted in terms of a surface magnetic field. Aims. The weak circular polarization signal has been monitored over 7.5 years in order to follow its evolution on different timescales, and eventually to determine its physical origin. Linear polarization measurements have also been obtained regularly in the last few years. Methods. We used both the ESPaDOnS and Narval spectropolarimeters to obtain high signal-to-noise ratio spectra, which were processed by means of the least-squares deconvolution method. In order to ensure the reality of the very weak circular polarization, special care has been taken to limit instrumental effects. In addition, several tests were performed on the Stokes V signal to establish its stellar and Zeeman origin. Results. We confirm the magnetic nature of the circular polarization, pointing to a surface magnetic field of the order of 1 G. The Stokes V profiles present variations over different timescales, the most prominent one being close to the long secondary period (LSP; around 2000 d for Betelgeuse) often invoked in red evolved stars. This long period is also dominant for all the other Stokes parameters. The circular polarization is tentatively modeled by means of magnetic field concentrations mimicking spots, showing in particular that the velocity associated with each “spot” also follows the long timescale, and that this signal is nearly always slightly redshifted. Conclusions. From the coupled variations of both linear and circular polarization signatures in amplitude, velocity and timescale, we favour giant convection cells as the main engine at the origin of polarization signatures and variations in all the Stokes parameters. This strengthens support for the hypothesis that large convective cells are at the origin of the LSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent spectropolarimetric observations of otherwise ordinary G, K, and M giants revealed localized magnetic strips in the HRD coincident with the regions where the first dredge-up and core He-burning occur. We seek to understand the origin of magnetic fields in such late-type giant stars. In analogy with late-type dwarf stars, we focus primarily on parameters known to influence the generation of magnetic fields in the outer convective envelope. We compute the classical dynamo parameters along the evolutionary tracks of low- and intermediate-mass stars at various metallicities using stellar models that have been extensively tested by spectroscopic and asteroseismic observations. These include convective turnover timescales and convective Rossby numbers, computed from the PMS to the tip of the RGB or the early AGB. To investigate the effects of the very extended outer convective envelope, we compute these parameters both for the entire convective envelope and locally, that is, at different depths within the envelope. We also compute the turnover timescales and corresponding Rossby numbers for the convective cores of intermediate-mass stars on the main sequence. Our models show that the Rossby number of the convective envelope becomes lower than unity in the well-delimited locations of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram where magnetic fields have indeed been detected. We show that α-Ω dynamo processes might not be continuously operating, but that they are favored in the stellar convective envelope at two specific moments along the evolution tracks, that is, during the first dredge-up at the base of the RGB and during central helium burning in the helium-burning phase and early-AGB. This general behavior can explain the so-called magnetic strips recently discovered by dedicated spectropolarimetric surveys of evolved stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our team has obtained observations of the photosphere of the two closest red supergiant stars Betelgeuse (α Ori) and Antares (α Sco) using near infrared interferometry. We have been monitoring the photosphere of Betelgeuse with the VLTI/PIONIER instrument for three years. On Antares, we obtained an unprecedented sampling of the visibility function. These data allow us to probe the convective photosphere of massive evolved stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. We investigate the magnetic field at the surface of 48 red giants selected as promising for detection of Stokes V Zeeman signatures in their spectral lines. In our sample, 24 stars are identified from the literature as presenting moderate to strong signs of magnetic activity. An additional 7 stars are identified as those in which thermohaline mixing appears not to have occured, which could be due to hosting a strong magnetic field. Finally, we observed 17 additional very bright stars which enable a sensitive search to be performed with the spectropolarimetric technique. Methods. We use the spectropolarimeters Narval and ESPaDOnS to detect circular polarization within the photospheric absorption lines of our targets. We treat the spectropolarimetric data using the least-squares deconvolution method to create high signal-to-noise ratio mean Stokes V profiles. We also measure the classical S-index activity indicator for the Ca Π H&K lines, and the stellar radial velocity. To infer the evolutionary status of our giants and to interpret our results, we use state-of-the-art stellar evolutionary models with predictions of convective turnover times. Results. We unambiguously detect magnetic fields via Zeeman signatures in 29 of the 48 red giants in our sample. Zeeman signatures are found in all but one of the 24 red giants exhibiting signs of activity, as well as 6 out of 17 bright giant stars. However no detections were obtained in the 7 thermohaline deviant giants. The majority of the magnetically detected giants are either in the first dredge up phase or at the beginning of core He burning, i.e. phases when the convective turnover time is at a maximum: this corresponds to a "magnetic strip" for red giants in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. A close study of the 16 giants with known rotational periods shows that the measured magnetic field strength is tightly correlated with the rotational properties, namely to the rotational period and to the Rossby number Ro. Our results show that the magnetic fields of these giants are produced by a dynamo, possibly of α-ω origin since Ro is in general smaller than unity. Four stars for which the magnetic field is measured to be outstandingly strong with respect to that expected from the rotational period/magnetic field relation or their evolutionary status are interpreted as being probable descendants of magnetic Ap stars. In addition to the weak-field giant Pollux, 4 bright giants (Aldebaran, Alphard, Arcturus, η Psc) are detected with magnetic field strength at the sub-Gauss level. Besides Arcturus, these stars were not considered to be active giants before this study and are very similar in other respects to ordinary giants, with S-index indicating consistency with basal chromospheric flux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extremely weak circularly-polarized signature was recently detected in the spectral lines of the Am star Sirius A. With a prominent positive lobe, the shape of the phase-averaged Stokes V line profile is atypical of stellar Zeeman signatures, casting doubts on its magnetic origin. We report here on ultra-deep spectropolarimetric observations of two more bright Am stars: β Uma and θ Leo. Stokes V line signatures are detected in both objects, with a shape and amplitude similar to the one observed on Sirius A. We demonstrate that the amplitude of the Stokes V line profiles depend on various line parameters (Landé factor, wavelength, depth) as expected from a Zeeman signature, confirming that extremely weak magnetic fields are likely present in a large fraction of Am stars. We suggest that the strong asymmetry of the polarized signatures, systematically observed so far in Am stars and never reported in strongly magnetic Ap stars, bears unique information about the structure and dynamics of the thin surface convective shell of Am stars. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We present the results of a major high-resolution spectropolarimetric BCool project magnetic survey of 170 solar-type stars. Surface magnetic fields were detected on 67 stars, with 21 classified as mature solar-type stars, a result that increases by a factor of 4 the number of mature solar-type stars on which magnetic fields have been observed. In addition, a magnetic field was detected for 3 out of 18 of the subgiant stars surveyed. For the population of K-dwarfs, the mean value of |Bl| (|Bl|mean) was also found to be higher (5.7 G) than |Bl|mean measured for the G-dwarfs (3.2 G) and the F-dwarfs (3.3 G). For the sample as a whole, |Bl|mean increases with rotation rate and decreases with age, and the upper envelope for |Bl| correlates well with the observed chromospheric emission. Stars with a chromospheric S-index greater than about 0.2 show a high magnetic field detection rate and so offer optimal targets for future studies. This survey constitutes the most extensive spectropolarimetric survey of cool stars undertaken to date, and suggests that it is feasible to pursue magnetic mapping of a wide range of moderately active solar-type stars to improve our understanding of their surface fields and dynamos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We obtained 128 high signal-to-noise ratio Stokes V spectra of the B3V star ι Her on five consecutive nights in 2012 with the ESPaDOnS spectropolarimeter at the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope, with the aim of searching for the presence of weak and/or complex magnetic fields. Least-squares deconvolution (LSD) mean profiles were computed from individual spectra, averaged over individual nights and over the entire run. No Zeeman signatures are detected in any of the profiles. The longitudinal magnetic field in the grand average profile was measured to be −0.24 ± 0.32 G, as compared to −0.22 ± 0.32 G in the null profile. Our observations therefore provide no evidence for the presence of Zeeman signatures analogous to those observed in the A0V star Vega by Lignières et al. We interpret these observations in three ways. First, we compare the LSD profiles with synthetic Stokes V profiles corresponding to organized (dipolar) magnetic fields, for which we find an upper limit of about 8 G on the polar strength of any surface dipole present. Secondly, we compare the grand average profile with calculations corresponding to the random magnetic spot topologies of Kochukhov & Sudnik, inferring that spots, if present, of 2° radius with strengths of 2–4 G and a filling factor of 50 per cent should have been detected in our data. Finally, we compare the observations with synthetic V profiles corresponding to the surface magnetic maps of Vega (Petit et al.) computed for the spectral characteristics of ι Her. We conclude that while it is unlikely we would have detected a magnetic field identical to Vega's, we would have likely detected one with a peak strength of about 30 G, i.e. approximately four times as strong as that of Vega. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. So far, surface magnetic fields have never been detected on Mira stars. Only recently have the spectropolarimetric capabilities of measuring it via the Zeeman effect become available to us. Then, to complete the knowledge of the magnetic field and of its influence during the transition from asymptotic giant branch to planetary nebulae stages, we have undertaken a search for magnetic fields on the surface of Mira stars. Aims. Our main goal is to constrain - at this stage of stellar evolution - the surface magnetic field (presence and strength) and to define the magnetic field strength dependence along the radial distance to the star, above the photosphere and across the circumstellar envelope of cool and evolved stars. Methods. We used spectropolarimetric observations (Stokes V spectra probing circular polarization), collected with the Narval instrument at TBL, in order to detect - with the least squares deconvolution (LSD) method - a Zeeman signature in the visible part of the spectrum. Results. We present the first spectropolarimetric observations of the S-type Mira star χ Cyg, performed around its maximum light. We detected a polarimetric signal in the Stokes V spectra and established its Zeeman origin. We claim that it is likely to be related to a weak magnetic field present at the photospheric level and in the lower part of the stellar atmosphere. We estimated the strength of its longitudinal component to about 2-3 gauss. This result favors a 1/r law for the variation in the magnetic field strength across the circumstellar envelope of χ Cyg. This is the first detection of a weak magnetic field on the stellar surface of a Mira star, and we discuss its origin in the framework of shock waves periodically propagating throughout the atmosphere of these radially pulsating stars. Conclusions. At the date of our observations of χ Cyg, the shock wave reaches its maximum intensity, and it is likely that the shock amplifies a weak stellar magnetic field during its passage through the atmosphere. Without such an amplification by the shock, the magnetic field strength would have been too low to be detected. For the first time, we also report strong Stokes Q and U signatures (linear polarization) centered on the zero velocity (i.e., on the shock front position). They seem to indicate that the radial direction would be favored by the shock during its propagation throughout the atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Magnetism in Massive Stars (MiMeS) project represents the largest systematic survey of stellar magnetism ever undertaken. Based on a sample of over 550 Galactic B and O-type stars, the MiMeS project has derived the basic characteristics of magnetism in hot, massive stars. Herein we report preliminary results. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aims. We study the behavior of the magnetic field and the line activity indicators of the single late-type giant β Ceti. Using spectropolarimetric data, we aim to reconstruct the magnetic field structure on the star's surface and to present the first magnetic maps for β Ceti. Methods. The data were obtained using two spectropolarimeters – Narval at the Bernard Lyot Télescope, Pic du Midi, France, and ESPaDOnS at CFHT, Hawaii. Thirty-eight circularly-polarized spectra have been collected in the period June 2010–January 2012. The least square deconvolution method was applied for extracting high signal-to-noise ratio line profiles, from which we measured the surface-averaged longitudinal magnetic field Bl. Chromospheric activity indicators CaII K, Hα, CaII IR (854.2 nm), and radial velocity were simultaneously measured, and their variability was analyzed along with the behavior of Bl. The Zeeman Doppler imaging (ZDI) inversion technique was employed for reconstructing the large-scale magnetic field and two magnetic maps of β Ceti are presented for two periods (June 2010–December 2010 and June 2011–January 2012). Results. The Bl stays with a same positive polarity for the whole observational period and shows significant variations in the interval 0.1–8.2 G. The behavior of the line activity indicators is in good agreement with the Bl variations. Searching for periodic signals in the Stokes V time series, we found a possible rotation period of 215 days. The two ZDI maps show a mainly axisymmetric and poloidal magnetic topology and a simple surface magnetic field configuration dominated by a dipole. Little evolution is observed between the two maps, in spite of a 1 yr interval between both subsets. We also use state-of-the-art stellar evolution models to constrain the evolutionary status of β Ceti. We derive a mass of 3.5 M⊚ and propose that this star is already in the central helium-burning phase. Conclusions. Considering all our results and the evolutionary status of the star, we suggest that dynamo action alone may not be efficient enough to account for the high magnetic activity of β Ceti. As an alternate option, we propose that it is a descendant of an Ap star presently undergoing central helium-burning and still exhibiting a remnant of the Ap star magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. 14 Ceti is a subgiant star of F spectral class that displays variations in the S-index of its Ca?ii?H?&?K lines and an X-ray emission that is stronger than the mean observed for its spectral class, which may be due to some magnetic activity. Aims. We attempt to Zeeman-detect and study the magnetic field of 14 Ceti and to infer its origin. Methods. We used the spectropolarimeter Narval at the Telescope Bernard Lyot, Pic du Midi Observatory, and the least squares deconvolution method to create high signal-to-noise ratio Stokes V profiles. We derived the surface-averaged longitudinal magnetic field Bl. We also measured the S-index, and the radial velocity for each observation. Results. 14 Ceti is Zeeman-detected for the 30 observed dates spanning from August 2007 to January 2012. The average longitudinal magnetic field does not reverse its sign, reaches about -35 G, and shows some month-long-timescale variations in our 2008 and 2011-2012 observations. The S-index follows the same long-term trend as Bl. 14 Ceti is confirmed as a single star without H-K emission cores. The strength of the observed surface magnetic field of 14 Ceti is one order of magnitude greater than the observed one for late F main-sequence stars, and is comparable to the values measured in the active late F pre-main-sequence star HR 1817. On the other hand, taking into account the post-main-sequence evolution of an Ap star, an oblique rotator model can explain the strength of the magnetic field of 14 Ceti. The variations with a timescale of months observed for both the Bl and S-index could be due to the rotation. Conclusions. The most probable scenario to explain our observations appears to be that 14 Ceti is the descendant of a cool Ap star. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. We have studied the active giant V390 Aur using spectropolarimetry to obtain direct and simultaneous measurements of the magnetic field and the activity indicators to obtain a precise insight of its activity. Methods. We used the spectropolarimeter NARVAL at the Bernard Lyot Telescope (Observatoire du Pic du Midi, France) to obtain a series of Stokes I and Stokes V profiles. Using the least-squares deconvolution (LSD) technique we were able to detect the Zeeman signature of the magnetic field in each of our 13 observations and to measure its longitudinal component. Using the wide wavelength range of the spectra we were able to monitor the CaII K&H and IR triplet, as well as the Hα lines, which are activity indicators. To reconstruct the magnetic field geometry of V390 Aur on the basis of modelling the Stokes V profiles, we applied the Zeeman Doppler imaging (ZDI) inversion method and present a map for the magnetic field. Based on the obtained spectra, we also refined the fundamental parameters of the star and the Li abundance using MARCS model atmospheres. Results. The ZDI revealed a structure in the radial magnetic field consisting of a polar magnetic spot of positive polarity and several negative spots at lower latitude. A high latitude belt is present on the azimuthal field map, indicative of a toroidal field close to the surface. Similar features are observed in some RS CVn and FK Com -type stars. It was found that the photometric period cannot fit the behaviour of the activity indicators formed in the chromosphere. Their behaviour suggests slower rotation compared to the photosphere, but our dataset is too short for us to be able to estimate their exact periods. All these results can be explained in terms of an α-ω dynamo operation, taking into account the stellar structure and rotation properties of V390 Aur that we studied with up-to-date stellar models computed at solar metallicity with the code STAREVOL. The calculated Rossby number also points to a very efficient dynamo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Magnetism in Massive Stars (MiMeS) Project is a consensus collaboration among the foremost international researchers of the physics of hot, massive stars, with the basic aim of understanding the origin, evolution and impact of magnetic fields in these objects. The cornerstone of the project is the MiMeS Large Program at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, which represents a dedication of 640 hours of telescope time from 2008-2012. The MiMeS Large Program will exploit the unique capabilities of the ESPaDOnS spectropolarimeter to obtain critical missing information about the poorly-studied magnetic properties of these important stars, to confront current models and to guide theory. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We present here additional results of a spectropolarimetric survey of a small sample of stars ranging from spectral type M0 to M8 aimed at investigating observationally how dynamo processes operate in stars on both sides of the full convection threshold (spectral type M4). The present paper focuses on early M stars (M0–M3), that is above the full convection threshold. Applying tomographic imaging techniques to time series of rotationally modulated circularly polarized profiles collected with the NARVAL spectropolarimeter, we determine the rotation period and reconstruct the large-scale magnetic topologies of six early M dwarfs. We find that early-M stars preferentially host large-scale fields with dominantly toroidal and non-axisymmetric poloidal configurations, along with significant differential rotation (and long-term variability); only the lowest-mass star of our subsample is found to host an almost fully poloidal, mainly axisymmetric large-scale field resembling those found in mid-M dwarfs. This abrupt change in the large-scale magnetic topologies of M dwarfs (occurring at spectral type M3) has no related signature on X-ray luminosities (measuring the total amount of magnetic flux); it thus suggests that underlying dynamo processes become more efficient at producing large-scale fields (despite producing the same flux) at spectral types later than M3. We suspect that this change relates to the rapid decrease in the radiative cores of low-mass stars and to the simultaneous sharp increase of the convective turnover times (with decreasing stellar mass) that models predict to occur at M3; it may also be (at least partly) responsible for the reduced magnetic braking reported for fully convective stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present in this paper, the first results of a spectropolarimetric analysis of a small sample (∼20) of active stars ranging from spectral type M0 to M8, which are either fully convective or possess a very small radiative core. This study aims at providing new constraints on dynamo processes in fully convective stars. This paper focuses on five stars of spectral type ∼M4, i.e. with masses close to the full convection threshold , and with short rotational periods. Tomographic imaging techniques allow us to reconstruct the surface magnetic topologies from the rotationally modulated time-series of circularly polarized profiles. We find that all stars host mainly axisymmetric large-scale poloidal fields. Three stars were observed at two different epochs separated by ∼1 yr; we find the magnetic topologies to be globally stable on this time-scale. We also provide an accurate estimation of the rotational period of all stars, thus allowing us to start studying how rotation impacts the large-scale magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From a set of stellar spectropolarimetric observations, we report the detection of surface magnetic fields in a sample of four solar-type stars, namely HD 73350, HD 76151, HD 146233 (18 Sco) and HD 190771. Assuming that the observed variability of polarimetric signal is controlled by stellar rotation, we establish the rotation periods of our targets, with values ranging from 8.8 d (for HD 190771) to 22.7 d (for HD 146233). Apart from rotation, fundamental parameters of the selected objects are very close to the Sun's, making this sample a practical basis to investigate the specific impact of rotation on magnetic properties of Sun-like stars. We reconstruct the large-scale magnetic geometry of the targets as a low-order spherical harmonic expansion of the surface magnetic field. From the set of magnetic maps, we draw two main conclusions. (i) The magnetic energy of the large-scale field increases with rotation rate. The increase in chromospheric emission with the mean magnetic field is flatter than observed in the Sun. Since the chromospheric flux is also sensitive to magnetic elements smaller than those contributing to the polarimetric signal, this observation suggests that a larger fraction of the surface magnetic energy is stored in large scales as rotation increases. (ii) Whereas the magnetic field is mostly poloidal for low rotation rates, more rapid rotators host a large-scale toroidal component in their surface field. From our observations, we infer that a rotation period lower than ≈12 d is necessary for the toroidal magnetic energy to dominate over the poloidal component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From observations collected with the ESPaDOnS and NARVAL spectropolarimeters, we report the detection of Zeeman signatures on the classical T Tauri star (cTTS) BP Tau. Circular polarization signatures in photospheric lines and in narrow emission lines tracing magnetospheric accretion are monitored throughout most of the rotation cycle of BP Tau at two different epochs in 2006. We observe that rotational modulation dominates the temporal variations of both unpolarized and circularly polarized spectral proxies tracing the photosphere and the footpoints of accretion funnels. From the complete data sets at each epoch, we reconstruct the large-scale magnetic topology and the location of accretion spots at the surface of BP Tau using tomographic imaging. We find that the field of BP Tau involves a 1.2 kG dipole and 1.6 kG octupole, both slightly tilted with respect to the rotation axis. Accretion spots coincide with the two main magnetic poles at high latitudes and overlap with dark photospheric spots; they cover about 2 per cent of the stellar surface. The strong mainly axisymmetric poloidal field of BP Tau is very reminiscent of magnetic topologies of fully convective dwarfs. It suggests that magnetic fields of fully convective cTTSs such as BP Tau are likely not fossil remants, but rather result from vigorous dynamo action operating within the bulk of their convective zones. Preliminary modelling suggests that the magnetosphere of BP Tau extends to distances of at least to ensure that accretion spots are located at high latitudes, and is not blown open close to the surface by a putative stellar wind. It apparently succeeds in coupling to the accretion disc as far out as the corotation radius, and could possibly explain the slow rotation of BP Tau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the magnetic geometry of the active G8 dwarf ξ Bootis A (ξ Boo A), from spectropolarimetric observations obtained in 2003 with the MuSiCoS échelle spectropolarimeter at the Télescope Bernard Lyot (Observatoire du Pic du Midi, France). We repeatedly detect a photospheric magnetic field, with periodic variations consistent with rotational modulation. Circularly polarized (Stokes V) line profiles present a systematic asymmetry, showing up as an excess in amplitude and area of the blue lobe of the profiles. Direct modelling of Stokes V profiles suggests that the global magnetic field is composed of two main components, with an inclined dipole and a large-scale toroidal field. We derive a dipole intensity of about 40 G, with an inclination of 35° of the dipole with respect to the rotation axis. The toroidal field strength is of the order of 120 G. A noticeable evolution of the field geometry is observed over the 40 nights of our observation window and results in an increase in field strength and dipole inclination. This study is the first step of a long-term monitoring of ξ Boo A and other active solar-type stars, with the aim of investigating secular fluctuations of stellar magnetic geometries induced by activity cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are conducting a magnetic survey of a sample of about 30 spectroscopically identified Ap stars, with weak or previously undetected magnetic fields. For 28 studied stars, we have obtained 25 detections of Stokes V Zeeman signatures. Our results suggest that all Ap stars are magnetic. Further there may exist a minimum field strength for which Ap-type characteristics are produced.To search for other articles by the author(s) go to: http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abstract_service.html [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We present spectropolarimetric observations of the FK Com star HD 199178 obtained between 1998 December and 2003 August at the Télescope Bernard Lyot (Observatoire du Pic du Midi, France). We report the detection of a photospheric magnetic field and reconstruct its distribution by means of Zeeman–Doppler imaging. We observe large regions where the magnetic field is mainly azimuthal, suggesting that the dynamo processes generating the magnetic activity of HD 199178 may be active very close to the stellar surface. We investigate the rapid evolution of surface brightness and magnetic structures from a continuous monitoring of the star over several weeks in 2002 and 2003. We report that significant changes occur in the distribution of cool-spots and magnetic regions on typical time-scales of the order of two weeks. Our spectropolarimetric observations also suggest that the surface of HD 199178 is sheared by differential rotation, with a difference in rotation rate between equatorial and polar regions of the order of 1.5 times that of the Sun. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present here spectropolarimetric observations of the RS CVn system HR 1099 (V711 Tau) secured from 1998 February to 2002 January with the spectropolarimeter MuSiCoS at the Télescope Bernard Lyot (Observatoire du Pic du Midi, France). We apply Zeeman–Doppler imaging and reconstruct surface brightness and magnetic topologies of the K1 primary subgiant of the system, at five different epochs. We confirm the presence of large, axisymmetric regions where the magnetic field is mainly azimuthal, providing further support to the hypothesis that dynamo processes may be distributed throughout the whole convective zone in this star. We study the short-term evolution of surface structures from a comparison of our images with observations secured at close-by epochs by Donati et al. at the Anglo-Australian Telescope. We conclude that the small-scale brightness and magnetic patterns undergo major changes within a time-scale of 4–6 weeks, while the largest structures remain stable over several years. We report the detection of a weak surface differential rotation (both from brightness and magnetic tracers) indicating that the equator rotates faster than the pole with a difference in rotation rate between the pole and the equator about four times smaller than that of the Sun. This result suggests that tidal forces also affect the global dynamic equilibrium of convective zones in cool active stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the first results of a systematic spectropolarimetric survey of the coolest magnetic Ap stars, undertaken with the MuSiCoS spectropolarimeter, with the aim of clarifying the magnetic field and atmospheric characteristics of these enigmatic objects.To search for other articles by the author(s) go to: http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abstract_service.html [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Red supergiant stars (RSGs) are not only a key evolutionary stage of massive stars participating in the chemical evolution of galaxies, they also represent a fantastic and challenging laboratory of (magneto-)hydrodynamics. We present recent results and on-going research on mass loss, atmospheres, and polarimetric studies of RSGs that reveal a magnetic field of unknown origin. We discuss the potential interplay between these different processes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We present the first magnetic map of the late-type giant 37 Com. The Least Squares Deconvolution (LSD) method and Zeeman Doppler Imaging (ZDI) inversion technique were applied. The chromospheric activity indicators Hα, S-index, Ca ii IRT and the radial velocity were also measured. The evolutionary status of the star has been studied on the basis of state-of-the-art stellar evolutionary models and chemical abundance analysis. 37 Com appears to be in the core Helium-burning phase. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Using spectropolarimetric data acquired with the ESPaDOnS and NARVAL instruments at CFHT and at TBL, we present a detailed spectral synthesis analysis of HD 232 862, a field giant classified as a G8II star hosting a magnetic field. This star is the first lithium-rich field giant hosting a magnetic field. Stellar evolution models suggest that HD 232 862 should be a 1.5 to 2.0 M⊙ star at the bottom of the red giant branch. Its unsually high lithium content (A(Li) = 2.45 ± 0.25 dex) is even more puzzling and challenges our understanding of the evolution of this star. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Massive stars are those stars with initial masses above about 8 times that of the sun, eventually leading to catastrophic explosions in the form of supernovae. These represent the most massive and luminous stellar component of the Universe, and are the crucibles in which the lion's share of the chemical elements are forged. These rapidly-evolving stars drive the chemistry, structure and evolution of galaxies, dominating the ecology of the Universe - not only as supernovae, but also during their entire lifetimes - with far-reaching consequences. Although the existence of magnetic fields in massive stars is no longer in question, our knowledge of the basic statistical properties of massive star magnetic fields is seriously incomplete. The Magnetism in Massive Stars (MiMeS) Project represents a comprehensive, multidisciplinary strategy by an international team of recognized researchers to address the “big questions” related to the complex and puzzling magnetism of massive stars. This paper present the first results of the MiMeS Large Program at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Sun-like stars are able to continuously generate a large-scale magnetic field through the action of a dynamo. Various physical parameters of the star are able to affect the dynamo output, in particular the rotation and mass. Using the NARVAL spectropolarimeter (Observatoire du Pic du Midi, France), it is now possible to measure the large-scale magnetic field of solar analogues (i.e. stars very close to the Sun in the mass-rotation plane, including strict solar twins). From spectropolarimetric time-series, tomographic inversion enables one to reconstruct the field geometry and its progressive distortion under the effect of surface differential rotation. We show the first results obtained on a sample of main-sequence dwarfs, probing masses between 0.7 and 1.4 solar mass and rotation rates between 1 and 3 solar rotation rate. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

From spectropolarimetric data and spectral synthesis analysis, we report the serendipitous discovery of an unusually high lithium content field giant. HD 232862, classified as a G8II star, appears to be the first Lithium-rich field giant star hosting a surface magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]