The role of magnetic fields in pre-main sequence stars. Issue Volume 9:Issue S302(2013) (7th August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hussain, Gaitee A. J.; Alecian, Evelyne
• Editors: Petit, Pascal; Jardine, Moira; Spruit, Hendrik C.
• Is Part Of: Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union. Volume 9:Issue S302(2013)
• Page Start: 25
• Page End: 37
• Publication Date: 2014-08-07
• Subjects: stars: activity, -- stars: accreting, -- stars: circumstellar matter, -- stars: magnetic fields; Astronomy -- Congresses; Astronomy -- Periodicals; 520
• DOI: 10.1017/S1743921314001653
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-9213

Abstract

Abstract: Strong, kilo-Gauss, magnetic fields are required to explain a range of observational properties in young, accreting pre-main sequence (PMS) systems. We review the techniques used to detect magnetic fields in PMS stars. Key results from a long running campaign aimed at characterising the large scale magnetic fields in accreting T Tauri stars are presented. Maps of surface magnetic flux in these systems can be used to build 3-D models exploring the role of magnetic fields and the efficiency with which magnetic fields can channel accretion from circumstellar disks on to young stars. Long-term variability in T Tauri star magnetic fields strongly point to a dynamo origin of the magnetic fields. Studies are underway to quantify how changes in magnetic fields affect their accretion properties. We also present the first results from a new programme that investigates the evolution of magnetic fields in intermediate mass (1.5–3M⊙ ) pre-main sequence stars as they evolve from being convective T Tauri stars to fully radiative Herbig AeBe stars.