Direct detection of magnetism with spectrointerferometry. Issue 69 (10th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Perraut, K.; Le Bouquin, J.-B.; Chesneau, O.
• Editors: Millour, F.; Chiavassa, A.; Bigot, L.; Chesneau, O.; Meilland, A.; Stee, Ph.
• Is Part Of: EAS publications series. Issue 69/70(2014)
• Page Start: 285
• Page End: 293
• Publication Date: 2015-09-10
• Subjects: Astronomy -- Periodicals; 520
• DOI: 10.1051/eas/1569016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1633-4760

Abstract

Abstract : Stellar magnetism and activity are often studied thanks to various spectro-polarimetric techniques but generally the poor angular resolution drastically limits detection and/or diagnosis since the polarized signals are averaged over the stellar surface and thus can be cancelled because of symmetry degrees. Taking benefit of the unprecedent resolving power of optical long-baseline interferometry will be a significant gain, allowing the local polarized features to be studied. In this review we briefly describe the various methods that are classically used to detect and/or map magnetic fields, and then explain how optical interferometry can bring new and complementary observational information.