An Introduction to Stellar Magnetic Activity

By (author) Professor Gibor Basri

Publication date:

22 December 2021

Length of book:

164 pages

Publisher

Institute Of Physics Publishing

Dimensions:

254x178mm
7x10"

ISBN-13: 9780750321303

This book provides an introduction to our current knowledge of stellar magnetic activity. It is intended for graduate or advanced undergraduate students or researchers new to the field. Starting with the Sun, it extends to stars of all masses and ages. Topics include the production and measurement of the fields themselves, their effects on the stellar atmospheres, the diagnostics we use to understand them, and the effects of the magnetic activity on the star and its surrounds over time. This field is rapidly advancing, and the book will serve as an initial resource for those new to the area, or as an overview for those already involved who want a wider or historical perspective, along with suggestions as to which directions that new research might take.

Key Features:

  • Provides simple physical explanations of the diagnostics used to understand stellar activity
  • Takes a historical approach to the subject, including a look to the future
  • Refers to milestone articles, with an explanation of their importance
  • Contains numerous diagrams, images, and videos
  • Uses simple language to convey the science

This is an excellent book that will be extremely useful to many young researchers starting out in the fields of stars and exoplanets (and also to some more experienced ones who might enjoy a quick reminder). A broad knowledge of stellar magnetic activity is becoming increasingly more important to the exoplanet community and this book is perfectly pitched to provide a sound basis in the subject without becoming too caught up in details. It is a book designed to inspire as well as educate. Its strength lies in the clarity of the writing that avoids the need for extended mathematical derivations. The choice of topics reflects the broad experience and expertise of the author. It is not intended to be entirely comprehensive nor to provide a complete historical introduction, but it supplies just enough background to place current research in context.

Moira Jardine, The Observatory, February 2023