Solar-analog Stars Research Articles

The inflated, eccentric warm Jupiter TOI-4914 b orbiting a metal-poor star, and the hot Jupiters TOI-2714 b and TOI-2981 b

Recent observations of giant planets have revealed unexpected bulk densities. Hot Jupiters, in particular, appear larger than expected for their masses compared to planetary evolution models, while warm Jupiters seem denser than expected. These differences are often attributed to the influence of the stellar incident flux, but it has been unclear if they also result from different planet formation processes, and if there is a trend linking the planetary density to the chemical composition of the host star. In this work, we present the confirmation of three giant planets in orbit around solar analogue stars. TOI-2714 b (P ≃ 2.5 d, Rp ≃ 1.22 RJ, Mp = 0.72 MJ) and TOI-2981 b (P ≃ 3.6 d, RP ≃ 1.2 RJ, MP = 2 MJ) are hot Jupiters on nearly circular orbits, while TOI-4914 b (P ≃ 10.6 d, RP ≃ 1.15 RJ, Mp = 0.72 MJ) is a warm Jupiter with a significant eccentricity (e = 0.41 ± 0.02) that orbits a star more metal-poor ([Fe/H] = −0.13) than most of the stars known to host giant planets. Similarly, TOI-2981 b orbits a metal-poor star ([Fe/H] = −0.11), while TOI-2714 b orbits a metal-rich star ([Fe/H] = 0.30). Our radial velocity follow-up with the HARPS spectrograph allows us to detect their Keplerian signals at high significance (7, 30, and 23σ, respectively) and to place a strong constraint on the eccentricity of TOI-4914 b (18σ). TOI-4914 b, with its large radius (Rp ≃ 1.15 RJ) and low insolation flux (F⋆ < 2 × 108 erg s−1 cm−2), appears to be more inflated than what is supported by current theoretical models for giant planets. Moreover, it does not conform to the previously noted trend that warm giant planets orbiting metal-poor stars have low eccentricities. This study thus provides insights into the diverse orbital characteristics and formation processes of giant exoplanets, in particular the role of stellar metallicity in the evolution of planetary systems.

Detecting active latitudes of Sun-like stars using asteroseismic a-coefficients

Aims. We introduce a framework to measure the asphericity of Sun-like stars using a1, a2, and a4 coefficients and constrain their latitudes of magnetic activity. Methods. We evaluated systematic errors on the inferred coefficients in function of key physical and seismic parameters (inclination of rotation axis, average rotation, height-to-noise ratio of peaks in power spectrum). The measured a-coefficients account for rotational oblateness and the effect of surface magnetic activity. We used a simple model that assumes a single latitudinal band of activity. Results. Using solar SOHO, VIRGO, and SPM data, we demonstrate the capability of the method to detect the mean active latitude and its intensity changes between 1999 and 2002 (maximum of activity) and 2006 and 2009 (minimum of activity). We further applied the method to study the solar-analogue stars 16 Cyg A and B using Kepler observations. In 16 Cyg A, we detected an equatorial band of activity exhibiting an intensity that could be comparable to that of the Sun. However, 16 Cyg B exhibits a bimodality in a4 that is challenging to explain. We suggest that this could be a manifestation of the transition between a quiet and an active phase of activity. Validating or invalidating this hypothesis may require new observations.

Three Warm Jupiters around Solar-analog Stars Detected with TESS* *Based on observations collected at the European Organization for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere under MPG programmes 0104.A-9007(A) and 0106.A-9014(A).

We report the discovery and characterization of three giant exoplanets orbiting solar-analog stars, detected by the TESS space mission and confirmed through ground-based photometry and radial velocity measurements taken at La Silla observatory with FEROS. TOI-2373 b is a warm Jupiter orbiting its host star every ∼13.3 days, and is one of the most massive known exoplanet with a precisely determined mass and radius around a star similar to the Sun, with an estimated mass of m p = and a radius of r p = . With a mean density of , TOI-2373 b is among the densest planets discovered so far. TOI-2416 b orbits its host star on a moderately eccentric orbit with a period of ∼8.3 days and an eccentricity of e = . TOI-2416 b is more massive than Jupiter with m p = , however is significantly smaller with a radius of r p = , leading to a high mean density of . TOI-2524 b is a warm Jupiter near the hot Jupiter transition region, orbiting its star every ∼7.2 days on a circular orbit. It is less massive than Jupiter with a mass of m p =, and is consistent with an inflated radius of r p =, leading to a low mean density of . The newly discovered exoplanets TOI-2373 b, TOI-2416 b, and TOI-2524 b have estimated equilibrium temperatures of K, K, and K, respectively, placing them in the sparsely populated transition zone between hot and warm Jupiters.

Observational constraints on the origin of the elements – VII. NLTE analysis of Y ii lines in spectra of cool stars and implications for Y as a Galactic chemical clock

ABSTRACT Yttrium (Y), a key s-process element, is commonly used in nucleosynthesis studies and as a Galactic chemical clock when combined with magnesium (Mg). We study the applicability of the previously assumed local thermal equilibrium (LTE) line formation assumption in Y abundance studies of main-sequence and red giant stars, and probe the impact of NLTE (non-LTE) effects on the [Y/Mg] ratio, a proposed stellar age indicator. We derive stellar parameters, ages, and NLTE abundances of Fe, Mg, and Y for 48 solar analogue stars from high-resolution spectra acquired within the Gaia-ESO survey. For Y, we present a new NLTE atomic model. We determine a solar NLTE abundance of A(Y)NLTE = 2.12 ± 0.04 dex, 0.04 dex higher than LTE. NLTE effects on Y abundance are modest for optical Y ii lines, which are frequently used in Sun-like stars diagnostics. NLTE has a small impact on the [Y/Mg] ratio in such stars. For metal-poor red giants, NLTE effects on Y ii lines are substantial, potentially exceeding +0.5 dex. For the Gaia/4MOST/WEAVE benchmark star, HD 122563, we find the NLTE abundance ratio of [Y/Fe]NLTE = −0.55 ± 0.04 dex with consistent abundances obtained from different Y ii lines. NLTE has a differential effect on Y abundance diagnostics in late-type stars. They notably affect Y ii lines in red giants and very metal-poor stars, which are typical Galactic enrichment tracers of neutron-capture elements. For main-sequence stars, NLTE effects on optical diagnostic Y ii lines remain minimal across metallicities. This affirms the [Y/Mg] ratio’s reliability as a cosmochronometer for Sun-like stars.

Spectroscopic Determination of C, N, and O Abundances of Solar-analog Stars Based on the Lines of Hydride Molecules

Photospheric C, N, and O abundances of 118 solar-analog stars were determined by applying the synthetic-fitting analysis to their spectra in the blue or near-UV region comprising lines of CH, NH, and OH molecules, with an aim of clarifying the behaviors of these abundances in comparison with [Fe/H]. It turned out that, in the range of −0.6 ≲ [Fe/H] ≲ +0.3, [C/Fe] shows a marginally increasing tendency with decreasing [Fe/H] with a slight upturn around [Fe/H] ∼ 0, [N/Fe] tends to somewhat decrease toward lower [Fe/H], and [O/Fe] systematically increases (and thus [C/O] decreases) with a decrease in [Fe/H]. While these results are qualitatively consistent with previous determinations mostly based on atomic lines, the distribution centers of these [C/Fe], [N/Fe], and [O/Fe] at the near-solar metallicity are slightly negative by several hundredths of dex, which is interpreted as due to unusual solar abundances possibly related to the planetary formation of our solar system. However, clear anomalies are not observed in the [C, N, O/Fe] ratios of planet-host stars. Three out of four very Be-deficient stars were found to show anomalous [C/Fe] or [N/Fe] which may be due to mass transfer from the evolved companion, though its relation to the Be depletion mechanism is still unclear.

Hyperion: the origin of the stars. A far UV space telescope for high-resolution spectroscopy over wide fields

We present Hyperion, a mission concept recently proposed to the December 2021 NASA Medium Explorer announcement of opportunity. Hyperion explores the formation and destruction of molecular clouds and planet-forming disks in nearby star-forming regions of the Milky Way. It does this using long-slit high-resolution spectroscopy of emission from fluorescing molecular hydrogen, which is a powerful far-ultraviolet (FUV) diagnostic. Molecular hydrogen (H2) is the most abundant molecule in the universe and a key ingredient for star and planet formation but is typically not observed directly because its symmetric atomic structure and lack of a dipole moment mean there are no spectral lines at visible wavelengths and few in the infrared. Hyperion uses molecular hydrogen’s wealth of FUV emission lines to achieve three science objectives: (1) determining how star formation is related to molecular hydrogen formation and destruction at the boundaries of molecular clouds, (2) determining how quickly and by what process massive star feedback disperses molecular clouds, and (3) determining the mechanism driving the evolution of planet-forming disks around young solar-analog stars. Hyperion conducts this science using a straightforward, highly efficient, single-channel instrument design. Hyperion’s instrument consists of a 48-cm primary mirror with an f/5 focal ratio. The spectrometer has two modes, both covering 138.5- to 161.5-nm bandpasses. A low resolution mode has a spectral resolution of R ≥ 10,000 with a slit length of 65 arcmin, whereas the high-resolution mode has a spectral resolution of R ≥ 50,000 over a slit length of 5 armin. Hyperion occupies a 2-week-long high-earth lunar resonance TESS-like orbit and conducts 2 weeks of planned observations per orbit, with time for downlinks and calibrations. Hyperion was reviewed as category I, which is the highest rating possible but was not selected.

Validation of TESS exoplanet candidates orbiting solar analogues in the all-sky PLATO input catalogue

ABSTRACT The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is focusing on relatively bright stars and has found thousands of planet candidates. However, mainly because of the low spatial resolution of its cameras (≈ 21 arcsec/pixel), TESS is expected to detect several false positives (FPs); hence, vetting needs to be done. Here, we present a follow-up program of TESS candidates orbiting solar-analogue stars that are in the all-sky PLATO input catalogue. Using Gaia photometry and astrometry we built an absolute colour–magnitude diagram and isolated solar-analogue candidates’ hosts. We performed a probabilistic validation of each candidate using the vespa software and produced a prioritized list of objects that have the highest probability of being genuine transiting planets. Following this procedure, we eliminated the majority of FPs and statistically vetted 23 candidates. For this remaining set, we performed a stellar neighbourhood analysis using Gaia Early Data Release 3 and centroid motion tests, greatly enhancing the on-target probability of 12 of them. We then used publicly available high-resolution imaging data to confirm their transit source and found five new, fully validated planets. For the remaining candidates, we propose on–off photometry to further refine the list of genuine candidates and prepare for the subsequent radial velocity follow-up.

Survey for Distant Solar Twins (SDST) – I. epic method for stellar parameter measurement

ABSTRACT Solar twins are stars of key importance to the field of astronomy and offer a multitude of science applications. Only a small number (≲200) of solar twins are known today, all of which are relatively close to our Sun (${\lesssim}{800}\, {\rm pc}$). The goal of our Survey for Distant Solar Twins (SDST) is to identify many more solar twin and solar analogue stars out to much larger distances (${\sim}{4}\, {\rm kpc}$). In this paper, we present a new method to identify solar twins using relatively low S/N, medium resolving power ($R\sim 28\, 000$) spectra that will be typical of such distant targets observed with HERMES on the ${3.9}\, {\rm m}$ Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT). We developed a novel approach, namely epic, to measure stellar parameters (SPs) which we use to identify stars similar to our Sun. epic determines the stellar atmospheric parameters (effective temperature Teff, surface gravity log g, and metallicity [Fe/H]) using differential equivalent width (EW) measurements of selected spectroscopic absorption features and a simple model, trained on previously analysed spectra, that connects these EWs to the SPs. The reference for the EW measurements is a high S/N solar spectrum which is used to minimize several systematic effects. epic is fast, optimized for Sun-like stars and yields SP measurements with small enough uncertainties to enable spectroscopic identification of solar twin and analogue stars up to ${\sim}{4}\, {\rm kpc}$ away using AAT/HERMES, i.e. $\sigma \left(T_{\mathrm{eff}}, \log g, \textrm {[Fe/H]}\right) = \left({50}\, {\rm K}, {0.08}\, {\rm dex}, {0.03}\, {\rm dex}\right)$ on average at S/N = 25.

Statistics of the Chemical Composition of Solar Analog Stars and Links to Planet Formation

Abstract The Sun has been found to be depleted in refractory (rock-forming) elements relative to nearby solar analogs, suggesting a potential indicator of planet formation. Given the small amplitude of the depletion, previous analyses have primarily relied on high signal-to-noise stellar spectra and a strictly differential approach to determine elemental abundances. We present an alternative, likelihood-based approach that can be applied to much larger samples of stars with lower precision abundance determinations. We utilize measurements of about 1700 solar analogs from the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE-2) and the APOGEE Stellar Parameter and Chemical Abundance Pipeline (ASPCAP DR16). By developing a hierarchical mixture model for the data, we place constraints on the statistical properties of the elemental abundances, including correlations with condensation temperature and the fraction of stars with refractory element depletions. We find evidence for two distinct populations: a depleted population of stars that makes up the majority of solar analogs including the Sun, and a not-depleted population that makes up between ∼10% and 30% of our sample. We find correlations with condensation temperature generally in agreement with higher precision surveys of a smaller sample of stars. Such trends, if robustly linked to the formation of planetary systems, provide a means to connect stellar chemical abundance patterns to planetary systems over large samples of Milky Way stars.

Near-infrared Spectral Characterization of Solar-type Stars in the Northern Hemisphere

Abstract Although solar-analog stars have been studied extensively over the past few decades, most of these studies have focused on visible wavelengths, especially those identifying solar-analog stars to be used as calibration tools for observations. As a result, there is a dearth of well-characterized solar analogs for observations in the near-infrared, a wavelength range important for studying solar system objects. We present 184 stars selected based on solar-like spectral type and V−J and V−K colors whose spectra we have observed in the 0.8–4.2 μm range for calibrating our asteroid observations. Each star has been classified into one of three ranks based on spectral resemblance to vetted solar analogs. Of our set of 184 stars, we report 145 as reliable solar-analog stars, 21 as solar analogs usable after spectral corrections with low-order polynomial fitting, and 18 as unsuitable for use as calibration standards owing to spectral shape, variability, or features at low to medium resolution. We conclude that all but five of our candidates are reliable solar analogs in the longer wavelength range from 2.5 to 4.2 μm. The average colors of the stars classified as reliable or usable solar analogs are V−J = 1.148, V−H = 1.418, and V−K = 1.491, with the entire set being distributed fairly uniformly in R.A. across the sky between −27° and +67° in decl.

Spot evolution on LQ Hya from 2006–2017: temperature maps based on SOFIN and FIES data

Context. LQ Hya is one of the most frequently studied young solar analogue stars. Recently, it has been observed to show intriguing behaviour when analysing long-term photometry. For instance, from 2003–2009, a coherent spot structure migrating in the rotational frame was reported by various authors. However, ever since, the star has entered a chaotic state where coherent structures seem to have disappeared and rapid phase jumps of the photometric minima occur irregularly over time. Aims. LQ Hya is one of the stars included in the SOFIN/FIES long-term monitoring campaign extending over 25 yr. Here, we publish new temperature maps for the star during 2006–2017, covering the chaotic state of the star. Methods. We used a Doppler imaging technique to derive surface temperature maps from high-resolution spectra. Results. From the mean temperatures of the Doppler maps, we see a weak but systematic increase in the surface temperature of the star. This is consistent with the simultaneously increasing photometric magnitude. During nearly all observing seasons, we see a high-latitude spot structure which is clearly non-axisymmetric. The phase behaviour of this structure is very chaotic but agrees reasonably well with the photometry. Equatorial spots are also frequently seen, but we interpret many of them to be artefacts due to the poor to moderate phase coverage. Conclusions. Even during the chaotic phase of the star, the spot topology has remained very similar to the higher activity epochs with more coherent and long-lived spot structures. In particular, we see high-latitude and equatorial spot activity, the mid latitude range still being most often void of spots. We interpret the erratic jumps and drifts in phase of the photometric minima to be caused by changes in the high-latitude spot structure rather than the equatorial spots.

Stellar dynamics of low mass stars from the surface to the interior measured by CoRoT and Kepler

Continuous high-precision photometry of stars provided by space missions such as CoRoT, Kepler, and K2 represents a unique way to study stellar rotation and magnetism. The coupling of these studies of the surface dynamics with asteroseismology is changing our view to surface and internal dynamics. In this proceedings I will provide the latest developments in the understanding of surface and internal rotation and magnetic fields. I will also discuss the possible discovery of strong internal magnetic fields of dynamo origin in the convective cores of stars above 1.2–1.4 solar masses. I will finish by providing constraints on gyrochronology laws for low-mass stars and put the Sun into context of its magnetism when compared to other solar-analog stars.

HD 38858: a solar-type star with an activity cycle of ∼10.8 yr

Context.The detection of chromospheric activity cycles in solar-analogue and twin stars can be used to place the solar cycle in a wider context. However, relatively few of these stars with activity cycles have been detected. It is well known that the cores of the Ca IIH&K lines are modulated by stellar activity. The behaviour of the Balmer and other optical lines with stellar activity is not yet completely understood.Aims.We search for variations in the Ca IIH&K, Balmer, and Fe IIlines modulated by stellar activity. In particular, we apply a novel strategy to detect possible shape variations in the Hαline.Methods.We analysed activity signatures in HD 38858 using HARPS and CASLEO spectra obtained between 2003 and 2017. We calculated the Mount Wilson index (SMW), log(R′HK), and the statistical moments of the Ca IIH&K, Balmer, and other optical lines. We searched for periodicities using the generalized Lomb-Scargle periodogram.Results.We detect a long-term activity cycle of 10.8 yr in Ca IIH&K and Hαin the solar-analogue star HD 38858. In contrast, this cycle is marginally detected in the Fe IIlines. We also detect a noticeable variation in radial velocity that seems to be produced by stellar activity.Conclusions.HD 38858 is the second solar-analogue star where we find a clear activity cycle that is replicated in the Balmer lines. Spectral indexes based on the shape of Hαline seem to be more reliable than the fluxes in the same line for detecting activity variations. The cyclic modulation we detected gives place to a variation in radial velocity that previously has been associated with a super-Earth planet. Finally, due to the similarity of HD 38858 with the Sun, we recommend to continue monitoring this star.

ζ1 + ζ2 Reticuli binary system: a puzzling chromospheric activity pattern

We perform, for the first time, a detailed long-term activity study of the binary system $\zeta$ Ret. We use all available HARPS spectra obtained between the years 2003 and 2016. We built a time series of the Mount Wilson $S$ index for both stars, then we analyse these series by using Lomb-Scargle periodograms. The components $\zeta^{1}$ Ret and $\zeta^{2}$ Ret that belong to this binary system are physically very similar to each other and also similar to our Sun, which makes it a remarkable system. We detect in the solar-analogue star $\zeta^{2}$ Ret a long-term activity cycle with a period of $\sim$10 yr, similar to the solar one ($\sim$11 yr). It is worthwhile to mention that this object satisfies previous criteria for a flat star and for a cycling star simultaneously. Another interesting feature of this binary system, is a high $\sim$0.220 dex difference between the averages log($\mathrm{R}'_\mathrm{HK}$) activity levels of both stars. Our study clearly shows that $\zeta^{1}$ Ret is significantly more active than $\zeta^{2}$ Ret. In addition, $\zeta^{1}$ Ret shows an erratic variability in its stellar activity. In this work, we explore different scenarios trying to explain this rare behaviour in a pair of coeval stars, which could help to explain the difference in this and other binary systems. From these results, we also warn that for the development of activity-age calibrations (which commonly use binary systems and/or stellar clusters as calibrators) it should be taken into account the whole history of activity available of the stars involved.

Lithium abundance and rotation of seismic solar analogues

Lithium abundance A(Li) and surface rotation are good diagnostic tools to probe the internal mixing and angular momentum transfer in stars. We explore the relation between surface rotation, A(Li) and age in a sample of seismic solar-analogue (SA) stars and study their possible binary nature. We select a sample of 18 SA observed by the NASA Kepler satellite for an in-depth analysis. Their seismic properties and surface rotation are well constrained from previous studies. About 53 hours of high-resolution spectroscopy were obtained to derive fundamental parameters and A(Li). These values were combined and confronted with seismic masses, radii and ages, as well as surface rotation periods. We identify a total of 6 binary systems. A well-defined relation between A(Li) and rotation was obtained. With models constrained by the characterisation of the individual mode frequencies for single stars, we identify a sequence of three SA with similar mass (~1.1Mo) and stellar ages ranging between 1 to 9 Gyr. Within the realistic estimate of ~7% for the mass uncertainty, we find a good agreement between the measured A(Li) and the predicted A(Li) evolution from a grid of models calculated with the Toulouse-Geneva stellar evolution code, which includes rotational internal mixing, calibrated to reproduce solar chemical properties. We present A(Li) for a consistent spectroscopic survey of SA with a mass of 1.00+/-0.15Mo, and characterised through asteroseismology and surface rotation rates based on Kepler observations. The correlation between A(Li) and P_rot supports the gyrochronological concept for stars younger than the Sun. The consensus between measured A(Li) for solar analogues with model grids, calibrated onto the Sun's chemical properties suggests that these targets share the same internal physics. In this light, the solar Li and rotation rate appear to be normal for a star like the Sun.

On the Incidence of Wise Infrared Excess Among Solar Analog, Twin, and Sibling Stars

Abstract This study presents a search for infrared (IR) excess in the 3.4, 4.6, 12, and 22 μm bands in a sample of 216 targets, composed of solar sibling, twin, and analog stars observed by the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mission. In general, an IR excess suggests the existence of warm dust around a star. We detected 12 μm and/or 22 μm excesses at the 3σ level of confidence in five solar analog stars, corresponding to a frequency of 4.1% of the entire sample of solar analogs analyzed, and in one out of 29 solar sibling candidates, confirming previous studies. The estimation of the dust properties shows that the sources with IR excesses possess circumstellar material with temperatures that, within the uncertainties, are similar to that of the material found in the asteroid belt in our solar system. No photospheric flux excess was identified at the W1 (3.4 μm) and W2 (4.6 μm) WISE bands, indicating that, in the majority of stars of the present sample, no detectable dust is generated. Interestingly, among the 60 solar twin stars analyzed in this work, no WISE photospheric flux excess was detected. However, a null-detection excess does not necessarily indicate the absence of dust around a star because different causes, including dynamic processes and instrument limitations, can mask its presence.

Spectroscopic observations of active solar-analog stars with high X-ray luminosity, as a proxy of superflare stars

Abstract Recent studies of solar-type superflare stars have suggested that even old slowly rotating stars similar to the Sun can have large starspots and superflares. We conducted high-dispersion spectroscopy of 49 nearby solar-analog stars (G-type main-sequence stars with Teff ≈ 5600–6000 K) identified as ROSAT soft X-ray sources, which are not binary stars from previous studies. We expected that these stars could be used as a proxy of bright solar-analog superflare stars, since superflare stars are expected to show strong X-ray luminosity. More than half (37) of the 49 target stars show no evidence of binarity, and their atmospheric parameters (temperature, surface gravity, and metallicity) are within the range of ordinary solar-analog stars. We measured the intensity of Ca ii 8542 and Hα lines, which are good indicators of the stellar chromospheric activity. The intensity of these lines indicates that all the target stars have large starspots. We also measured v sin i (projected rotational velocity) and lithium abundance for the target stars. Li abundance is a key to understanding the evolution of the stellar convection zone, which reflects the stellar age, mass and rotational history. We confirmed that many of the target stars rapidly rotate and have high Li abundance, compared with the Sun, as suggested by many previous studies. There are, however, also some target stars that rotate slowly (v sin i = 2–3 km s−1) and have low Li abundance like the Sun. These results support that old and slowly rotating stars similar to the Sun could have high activity levels and large starspots. This is consistent with the results of our previous studies of solar-type superflare stars. In the future, it is important to conduct long-term monitoring observations of these active solar-analog stars in order to investigate detailed properties of large starspots from the viewpoint of stellar dynamo theory.

HATS-18B: AN EXTREME SHORT-PERIOD MASSIVE TRANSITING PLANET SPINNING UP ITS STAR∗

ABSTRACT We report the discovery by the HATSouth network of HATS-18b: a , planet in a day orbit, around a solar analog star (mass and radius ) with mag. The high planet mass, combined with its short orbital period, implies strong tidal coupling between the planetary orbit and the star. In fact, given its inferred age, HATS-18 shows evidence of significant tidal spin up, which together with WASP-19 (a very similar system) allows us to constrain the tidal quality factor for Sun-like stars to be in the range of even after allowing for extremely pessimistic model uncertainties. In addition, the HATS-18 system is among the best systems (and often the best system) for testing a multitude of star–planet interactions, be they gravitational, magnetic, or radiative, as well as planet formation and migration theories.

Evolution of Long Term Variability in Solar Analogs

AbstractEarth is the only planet known to harbor life, therefore we may speculate on how the nature of the Sun-Earth interaction is relevant to life on Earth, and how the behavior of other stars may influence the development of life on their planetary systems. We study the long-term variability of a sample of five solar analog stars using composite chromospheric activity records up to 50 years in length and synoptic visible-band photometry about 20 years long. This sample covers a large range of stellar ages which we use to represent the evolution in activity for solar mass stars. We find that young, fast rotators have an amplitude of variability many times that of the solar cycle, while old, slow rotators have very little variability. We discuss the possible impacts of this variability on young Earth and exoplanet climates.

Magnetic fields of young solar twins

The goal of this work is to study the magnetic fields of six young solar-analogue stars both individually, and collectively, to search for possible magnetic field trends with age. If such trends are found, they can be used to understand magnetism in the context of stellar evolution of solar-like stars and, the past of the Sun and the solar system. This is also important for the atmospheric evolution of the inner planets, Earth in particular. We used Stokes IV data from two different spectropolarimeters, NARVAL and HARPSpol. The least-squares deconvolution multi-line technique was used to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the data. We then applied a modern Zeeman-Doppler imaging code in order to reconstruct the magnetic topology of all stars and the brightness distribution of one of our studied stars. Our results show a significant decrease in the magnetic field strength and energy as the stellar age increases from 100Myr to 250Myr while there is no significant age dependence of the mean magnetic field strength for stars with ages 250-650Myr. The spread in the mean field strength between different stars is comparable to the scatter between different observations of individual stars. The meridional field component has the weakest strength compared to the radial and azimuthal field components in 15 out of the 16 magnetic maps. It turns out that 89-97% of the magnetic field energy is contained in l=1-3. There is also no clear trend with age and distribution of field energy into poloidal/toroidal and axisymmetric/non-axisymmetric components within the sample. The two oldest stars in this study do show a twice as strong octupole component compared to the quadrupole component. This is only seen in one out of 13 maps of the younger stars. One star, chi1 Ori displays two field polarity switches during almost 5 years of observations suggesting a magnetic cycle length of either 2, 6 or 8 years.