Radio signatures of magnetic stellar coronae

Abstract

Stars are central to our understanding of the universe, and yet their diverse characteristics and behaviours remain a subject of intense study. This thesis focuses on one specific aspect of stellar astronomy: the magnetic fields of cool stars, particularly their coronal structures. By combining data-driven modelling with independent observations, two proof-of-concept studies are presented that explore how stellar magnetic fields impact their surrounding coronas. The first study investigates the young-Sun analogue AB Dor, using synthetic radio imagery and interferometric observations to demonstrate that AB Dor’s corona extends significantly farther than that of the Sun, with implications for the circumstellar environment of young stars. The second study examines the role of stellar prominences in producing radio bursts on the M Dwarf V374 Peg, showing that prominence ejections can explain observed periodic radio emissions, and providing insights into the physical processes behind stellar radio activity. This research lays the groundwork for future investigations to expand our understanding of stellar magnetic fields and their effects on the stellar neighbourhood.

Date of Award	30 Jun 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of St Andrews
Supervisor	Moira Jardine (Supervisor)