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Measuring Magnetic Fields in Stellar Interiors

Daniel Lecoanet (Northwestern University) // July 4, 2022


Abstract: Stars are key components of galaxies and exoplanetary systems, and are progenitors for supernova explosions and compact object binaries. Magnetic fields in stellar interiors can affect chemical transport and nucleosynthetic yields, magnetic activity (and hence habitability of exoplanets), and rotation rate of compact remnants. Despite their importance, not much is known about magnetic fields in stars. In this talk, I will describe the first inferences of magnetic field strengths in stellar interiors. This combines asteroseismic observations of stellar pulsation modes by space missions like CoRoT and TESS with theoretical and numerical calculations of magnetic wave properties in stars. I will finish by comparing the inferred magnetic fields to predictions of convective dynamo calculations.

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