arXiv subjects

Zs. Kővári

Publications and source records attributed to Zs. Kővári.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

TESS flares and chromospheric variability in the Pleiades, the Hyades, and Praesepe

Magnetic activity is a result of the interaction between rotation and dynamo processes in cool stars with outer convection zones. Since open cluster members share a common age, distance, and chemical composition, they provide an opportunity to study the magnetic activity of cool stars in a controlled astrophysical context. We used 120s cadence observations from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) to study the flare activity of stars in three open clusters with different ages: the Pleiades (100 Myr), the Hyades (700 Myr) and Praesepe (700 Myr). We used the Ohio State Multi-Object Spectrograph (OSMOS) at MDM Observatory with the goal of identifying coronal mass ejections (CMEs) in the Pleiades and Praesepe. We investigated the flaring characteristics of the cluster members using the TESS light curves: we identified the flares, then divided the dataset into different categories based on the effective temperature and light curve amplitude. We calculated the flare energies and investigated the flare frequency distributions. We studied the dynamic spectra of the H$α$ line and its environment to search for indication of CMEs. The power-law indices of the flare frequency distributions obtained in our analysis span the 1.8-2.8 range. We found the highest flare rates in the Pleiades for all investigated spectral types. Our results show that the flare rate of M dwarfs is similar in the Pleiades and the Hyades while for K-type stars the flare rate in the Pleiades is an order of magnitude higher. Our analysis reveals that the flare rate in M stars changes with their effective temperature: the rate is highest for T$_{eff}$ $\sim$3200-3300 K -coinciding with the transition between partially and fully convective stars - with smooth decrease in flare rate towards cooler and hotter M dwarfs. We used the MDM/OSMOS spectra to place an upper limit on the CME rate.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2026

What powers the most energetic flares in the Kepler field? Revisiting the superflaring star KIC 2852961

Flare activity in red giants is quite common when continuously monitored with high-precision space photometry. In fact, the most powerful flares, also known as "superflares" have been observed on red giant stars. KIC 2852961 is a red giant star producing the highest-energy flares in the Kepler field, and is also known for its large-amplitude starspot-induced light variations. Our goal is to find out what causes the extreme flare activity and flare energies in this star. For our investigations, we use ground-based spectroscopic measurements and space photometric data, which we process using standard tools. We also collect relevant data from databases of large surveys such as Gaia. Our new radial velocity data confirm that the red giant star is part of a close binary system, in which tidal forces play a crucial role in controlling the evolution of the binary system. Our results show that tidal evolution has driven the system close to orbital circularization and rotational synchronization, but it did not completely constrain the differential rotation of the red giant, in which the magnetic dynamo can operate extremely efficiently. We find that high-energy (super)flares are primarily controlled by the internal magnetic activity of the active giant component, rather than phase-dependent interactions with the secondary star. The large spot-induced rotational light modulations indicate extensive starspots that can store enormous amounts of magnetic energy. This provides the conditions for the formation of extremely large flares, confirming the close relationship between large spot coverage and high flare energies and/or frequency. Behind all this, differential rotation may play a dual role in the flare activity of KIC 2852961: it contributes both to the formation of large starspots and to the shearing and twisting of coronal magnetic fields that can power energetic superflares.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2025

Magnetic activity on the young Sun: a case study of EK Draconis

Context. Young, solar analogue stars provide key insights into the early stages of stellar evolution, particularly in terms of magnetic activity and rotation. Their rapid rotation, high flaring rate, and enhanced surface activity make them ideal laboratories for testing stellar models or even the solar dynamo. Aims. Using long-term photometric data, we investigated the cyclic behaviour of EK Dra over the last century. We analyze its short-term activity based on 13 Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) sectors. Applying Doppler imaging on high-resolution spectral data we investigate short and long-term spot evolution and surface differential rotation. Methods. We use Short-term Fourier-transform on a 120 years long archival photometric data in order to search for activity cycles. The short-term space photometry data is fitted with an analytic three-spot model, and we hand-select flares from it to analyze their phase and frequency distribution. Spectral synthesis is used to determine the astrophysical parameters of EK Dra. Using the iMap multi-line Doppler imaging code, we reconstruct 13 Doppler images. Differential rotation is derived by cross-correlating consecutive Doppler maps. Results. Long-term photometric data reveal a 10.7-12.1 year cycle that was persistently present for 120 years. In the more recent half of the light curve a 7.3-8.2 years-long signal is also visible. The distribution of the 142 flares in the TESS data shows no correlation with the rotational phase or with the spotted longitudes. The reconstructed Doppler images show a surface that varies from rotation to rotation, putting the lower limit of the spot lifetime between 10-15 days. Based on the cross-correlation of the Doppler maps, EK Dra has a solar-type differential rotation with a surface shear parameter of $α_{DR} = 0.030 \pm 0.008$.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2025

Four decades of photometry of XX Trianguli, `the most spotted star' in the sky

Over the past 40 years the brightness variations of XX Tri, a single line RS CVn type binary system with a synchronized K-giant primary, has exceeded one magnitude in the V band. Although these changes are primarily caused by starspots, an additional activity-related mechanism may also be behind the long-term trend of overall brightness increase. By compiling the most complete photometric data set so far, we attempt to examine how the nature of seasonal-to-decadal changes can be linked to global magnetism. The long-term brightening of XX Tri was accompanied by a gradual increase in the effective temperature, which resulted in a blueing shift in the Herzsprung-Russell diagram. In the long term, a constant cycle of about 4 years is most strongly present in the entire data. Besides, we also found a modulation of about 11 years, and a slowly decreasing cycle of about 5.7-5.2 years. From the seasonal datasets we found that the most dominant rotation-related periods are scattered around the orbital period. From this we infer a solar-type surface differential rotation, although the surface shear is significantly smaller than that of the Sun. The 4-year cycle indicates flip-flop-like behavior: during this time, the 2-3 active longitudes usually present on the stellar surface are rearranged. The magnitude-range changes in the long term cannot be interpreted solely as changes in the number and size of spots; the unspotted brightness of XX Tri has also increased over the decades. This should alert users of photometric spot models to reconsider the basic concept of constant unspotted brightness in similar cases.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2025

Starspots on eclipsing giant stars I.: The sample and eclipse mapping examples

Spotted stars in eclipsing binary systems allow us to gather significant information about the stellar surface inhomogeneities that is otherwise impossible from only photometric data. Starspots can be scanned using the eclipse (or transit) mapping technique, which takes advantage of the passage of a companion star (or planet) in front of a spotted giant star in a binary system. Based on the characteristics of their ultra-precise space photometric light curves, we compile a list of eclipsing binaries whose primary component is a spotted subgiant or giant star, with the aim of applying the eclipse mapping technique to them. Eclipsing binaries with giant primaries were selected from Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) light curves by visual inspection. Spots showing up as bumps during eclipses are modeled with an eclipse mapping technique specialized for two stars, and the number of spots are found with the help of Bayes factors. The full light curves themselves were analyzed with time series spot modeling, and the results of the two approaches were compared. We present a catalog of 29 eclipsing close binaries with active giant components and analyze TIC 235934420, TIC 271892852 and TIC 326257590 from the Continuous Viewing Zones (CVZ) of TESS. Remarkable agreement is found between the starspot temperatures, sizes, and longitudes from the eclipse mapping results and the corresponding full light curve solutions. Spots are always present at the substellar points of the tidally locked binaries. Data from the TESS CVZ allow us to follow the changes of spot patterns on yearly timescales.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2024

Magnetic activity in close binary systems

Tidal forces in close binary systems have diverse impacts on magnetic activity. The synchronicity characteristic of close systems counteracts magnetic braking, thereby sustaining rapid rotation-a key factor in increased levels of magnetic activity. Tidal effects can also work against the slowing down of rotation during stellar evolution, when the star inflates into a red giant. A notable manifestation of the effect of binarity on activity in such systems is the appearance of active longitudes, which are thought to arise from the excitation of non-axisymmetric dynamo modes. Through some recent examples, the dynamo operation in RS CVn and BY Dra type systems is briefly reviewed in terms of spot cycles, active longitudes, flare activity, and differential rotation.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2024

Magnetic activity under tidal influences in the 2+2~hierarchical quadruple system V815 Herculis

Tidal forces in close binaries and multiple systems that contain magnetically active component are supposed to influence the operation of magnetic dynamo. Through synchronization the tidal effect of a close companion helps maintain fast rotation, thus supporting an efficient dynamo. At the same time, it can also suppress the differential rotation of the convection zone, or even force the formation of active longitudes at certain phases fixed to the orbit. V815 Her is a four-star system consisting of two close binaries orbiting each other, one of which contains an active G-type main-sequence star. Therefore, the system offers an excellent opportunity to investigate the influence of gravitational effects on solar-type magnetic activity using different methods.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2024

Searching for stellar CMEs in the Praesepe and Pleiades clusters

On the Sun, the energetic, erupting phenomena of flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) often occur together. While space-based photometry has revealed frequent white-light flares for vast numbers of stars, only a handful of coronal mass ejections have been detected. Space-based photometry reveals the timing and detailed structure of flares. To detect CME signatures, however, optical spectroscopy is essential, as the ejected plasma can be detected by Doppler-shifted emission bumps in the Balmer-regions. We present a dedicated ground-based multi-object spectroscopic observations of the young, nearby Praesepe (600 Myr) and Pleiades (135 Myr) clusters to detect CMEs and flares parallel with the observations of Praesepe by the TESS satellite. During the 10 days of overlapping observations, we did not find any obvious signs of CMEs or flares in the H$α$ region.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2024

Detecting coronal mass ejections with machine learning methods

Flares on the Sun are often associated with ejected plasma: these events are known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These events, although are studied in detail on the Sun, have only a few dozen known examples on other stars, mainly detected using the Doppler-shifted absorption/emission features in Balmer lines and tedious manual analysis. We present a possibility to find stellar CMEs with the help of high-resolution solar spectra.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2023

EI Eridani: a star under the influence -- The effect of magnetic activity in the short and long term

We use our photometric time series of more than forty years to analyze the long-term behaviour of EI Eri. Flare activity is investigated using space-borne photometric data obtained with TESS. The MUSICOS campaign aimed to achieve high-resolution spectroscopic observations from many sites around the globe, so that uninterrupted phase coverage of EI Eri became available. We use these data to reconstruct successive surface temperature maps of the star in order to study the changes of starspots on a very short timescale. We use long-term, seasonal period analysis of our photometric time series to study changes in the rotational period. Short-term Fourier-transform is also applied to look for activity cycle-like changes. We also study the phase and frequency distribution of hand-selected flares. We apply our multi-line Doppler imaging code to reconstruct four consecutive Doppler images. These images are also used to measure surface differential rotation by our cross-correlation technique. In addition, we carry out tests to demonstrate how Doppler imaging is affected by the fact that the data came from several different instruments with different spectral resolutions. Seasonal period analysis of the light curve reveals a smooth, significant change in period, possibly indicating the evolution of active latitudes. Temperature curves from $B-V$ and $V-I$ show slight differences, indicating the activity of EI Eri is spot dominated. Short-term Fourier transform reveals smoothly changing cycles between 4.5--5.5 and 8.9--11.6 years. The time-resolved spotted surface of EI Eri from Doppler imaging enabled us to follow the evolution of the different surface features. Cross-correlating the consecutive Doppler maps reveal surface shear of $α=0.036\pm0.007$. Our tests validate our approach and show that the surface temperature distribution is adequately reconstructed by our method.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2021

Extending the FIP bias sample to magnetically active stars. Challenging the FIP bias paradigm?

The different elemental abundances of the photosphere and the corona are striking features of not only the Sun, but other stars as well. This phenomenon is known as the FIP effect (FIP stands for first ionization potential), and its strength can be characterized by the FIP bias, the logarithmic abundance difference between low- and high-FIP elements in the corona, compared to the photosphere. The FIP bias was shown to depend on the surface temperature of the star. We compiled FIP bias and other parameters for 59 stars for which coronal composition is available, now including evolved stars. Using principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis, we searched for correlations with other astrophysical parameters within the sample which may influence the stellar FIP bias. Adding stars to the $T_{\rm eff}-$FIP bias diagram unveiled new features in its structure. In addition to the previously known relationship, there appears to be a second branch, a parallel sequence about 0.5 dex above it. While the $T_{\rm eff}$ remains the main determinant of the FIP bias, other parameters such as stellar activity indicators also have influence. We find three clusters in the FIP bias determinant parameter space. One distinct group is formed by the evolved stars. Two groups contain main sequence stars in continuation separated roughly by the sign change of the FIP-bias value. The new branch of the $T_{\rm eff}-$FIP bias diagram contains stars with higher activity level, in terms of X-ray flux and rotational velocity. The two main sequence clusters run from the earliest spectral types of A-F with shallow convection zones through G-K-early M stars with gradually deeper convection zones, and end up with the fully convective M dwarf stars, depicting the change of the dynamo type with the internal differences of the main sequence stars in connection with the FIP-bias values.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2021

A confined dynamo: magnetic activity of the K-dwarf component in the pre-cataclysmic binary system V471 Tauri

We scrutinize the red dwarf component in the eclipsing binary system V471 Tau in order to unravel relations between different activity layers from the stellar surface through the chromosphere up to the corona. We aim at studying how the magnetic dynamo in the late-type component is affected by the close white dwarf companion. We use space photometry, high resolution spectroscopy and X-ray observations from different space instruments to explore the main characteristics of magnetic activity. From K2 photomery we find that 5-10 per cent of the apparent surface of the red dwarf is covered by cool starspots. From seasonal photometric period changes we estimate a weak differential rotation. From the flare activity we derive a cumulative flare frequency diagram which suggests that frequent flaring could have a significant role in heating the corona. Using high resolution spectroscopy we reconstruct four Doppler images for different epochs which reveal an active longitude, that is, a permanent dominant spot facing the white dwarf. From short term changes in the consecutive Doppler images we derive a weak solar-type surface differential rotation with 0.0026 shear coefficient, similar to that provided by photometry. The long-term evolution of X-ray luminosity reveals a possible activity cycle length of 12.7 ys, traces of which were discovered also in the H$α$ spectra. We conclude that the magnetic activity of the red dwarf component in V471 Tau is strongly influenced by the close white dwarf companion. We confirm the presence of a permanent dominant spot (active longitude) on the red dwarf facing the white dwarf. The weak differential rotation of the red dwarf is very likely the result of tidal confinement by the companion. We find that the periodic appearance of the inter-binary H$α$ emission from the vicinity of the inner Lagrangian point is correlated with the activity cycle.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2021

KIC 2852961 -- a superflaring red monster in the Kepler field

Superflares on giant stars have up to 100,000 times more energy than the high energy solar flares. However, it is disputed, whether scaling up a solar-type dynamo could explain such a magnitude difference. We investigate the flaring activity of KIC 2852961, a late-type spotted giant. We seek for flares in the Kepler Q0-Q17 datasets by an automated technique together with visual inspection. Flare occurence rate and flare energies are analyzed and compared to flare statistics of different targets with similar flare activity at different energy levels. We find that the flare energy distribution of KIC 2852961 does not seem to be consistent with that of superflares on solar-type stars. Also, we believe that in case of KIC 2852961 spot activity should have an important role in producing such superflares.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2021

Towards the true number of flaring giant stars in the Kepler field. Are there flaring specialities associated with the giant nature?

We aim to give a reliable estimate of the number of flaring giant stars in the Kepler field. By analyzing the flaring activity of these stars we explore their flare statistics and the released flare energies. The role of oscillation in suppressing magnetic activity is also investigated. On a sample of flaring giant stars we search for flaring specialities which may be associated with the giant nature. We search for flares using the full K1 data on a sample of 706 stars compiled from two lists of flaring giants found in the literature. In the end, we confirm only 61 stars as flaring giants. Among these 61 flaring giants we found only six which also show oscillations; we suggest that a large fraction of the 61 flaring giants are members of spectroscopic binaries which are proven already for 11. Tests are carried out to correct the detection bias at low flare energies for a subsample of 19 further studied, frequently flaring stars. For these 19 stars flare energy distributions and flare frequency diagrams (FFDs) are constructed. The number of detected flares on giant stars correlate only weakly with the rotational periods. The 61 confirmed flaring giant stars make up only about 0.3% of the entire giant star population in the Kepler database, in contrast with previous estimates of about an order higher percentage. No strong correlation was found between the stellar properties and the flaring characteristics. The wide scale of the flaring specialities are hardly related to the giant nature, if at all. This, together with the finding that the observed flare durations correlate with flare energies, regardless of the flare energy level and stellar luminosity class, suggest common background physics in flaring stars, or in other words, a general scaling effect behind.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2020

Superflares on the late-type giant KIC 2852961 -- Scaling effect behind flaring at different energy levels

The most powerful superflares reaching 10$^{39}$erg bolometric energy are from giant stars. The mechanism behind flaring is supposed to be the magnetic reconnection, which is closely related to magnetic activity including starspots. However, it is poorly understood, how the underlying magnetic dynamo works and how the flare activity is related to the stellar properties which eventually control the dynamo action. We analyse the flaring activity of KIC 2852961, a late-type giant star, in order to understand how the flare statistics are related to that of other stars with flares and superflares and what the role of the observed stellar properties in generating flares is. We search for flares in the full Kepler dataset of the star by an automated technique together with visual inspection. We set a final list of 59 verified flares during the observing term. We calculate flare energies for the sample and perform a statistical analysis. The stellar properties of KIC 2852961 are revised and a more consistent set of parameters are proposed. The cumulative flare energy distribution can be characterized by a broken power-law, i.e. on the log-log representation the distribution function is fitted by two linear functions with different slopes, depending on the energy range fitted. We find that the total flare energy integrated over a few rotation periods correlates with the average amplitude of the rotational modulation due to starspots. Flares and superflares seem to be the result of the same physical mechanism at different energetic levels, also implying that late-type stars in the main sequence and flaring giant stars have the same underlying physical process for emitting flares. There might be a scaling effect behind generating flares and superflares in the sense that the higher the magnetic activity the higher the overall magnetic energy released by flares and/or superflares.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2020

A census of Coronal Mass Ejections on solar-like stars

Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) may have major importance for planetary and stellar evolution. Stellar CME parameters, such as mass and velocity, have yet not been determined statistically. So far only a handful of stellar CMEs has been detected mainly on dMe stars using spectroscopic observations. We therefore aim for a statistical determination of CMEs of solar-like stars by using spectroscopic data from the ESO phase 3 and Polarbase archives. To identify stellar CMEs we use the Doppler signal in optical spectral lines being a signature of erupting filaments which are closely correlated to CMEs. We investigate more than 3700 hours of on-source time of in total 425 dF-dK stars. We find no signatures of CMEs and only few flares. To explain this low level of activity we derive upper limits for the non detections of CMEs and compare those with empirically modelled CME rates. To explain the low number of detected flares we adapt a flare power law derived from EUV data to the Hα regime, yielding more realistic results for Hα observations. In addition we examine the detectability of flares from the stars by extracting Sun-as-a-star Hα light curves. The extrapolated maximum numbers of observable CMEs are below the observationally determined upper limits, which indicates that the on-source times were mostly too short to detect stellar CMEs in Hα. We conclude that these non detections are related to observational biases in conjunction with a low level of activity of the investigated dF-dK stars.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2019

Magnetic activity of the young solar analogue V1358 Ori

Young, fast rotating single stars can show dramatically different magnetic signatures and levels of magnetic activity as compared with the Sun. While losing angular momentum due to magnetic breaking and mass loss through stellar winds, the stars gradually spin down resulting in decreasing levels of activity. Studying magnetic activity on such solar analogues plays a key role in understanding the evolution of solar-like stars and allows a glimpse into the past of the Sun as well. In order to widen our knowledge of the magnetic evolution of the Sun and solar-like stars, magnetic activity of the young solar analogue V1358 Ori is investigated. Fourier analysis of long-term photometric data is used to derive rotational period and activity cycle length, while spectral synthesis is applied on high resolution spectroscopic data in order to derive precise astrophysical parameters. Doppler imaging is performed to recover surface temperature maps for two subsequent intervals. Cross-correlation of the consecutive Doppler maps is used to derive surface differential rotation. The rotational modulation of the chromospheric activity indicators is also investigated. An activity cycle of $\approx 1600$ days is detected for V1358 Ori. Doppler imaging revealed a surface temperature distribution dominated by a large polar cap with a few weaker features around the equator. This spot configuration is similar to other maps of young solar analogues from the literature, and supports recent model predictions. We detected solar-like surface differential rotation with a surface shear parameter of $α= 0.016 \pm 0.010$ which fits pretty well to our recently proposed empirical relation between rotation and differential rotation. The chromospheric activity indicators showed a rotational modulation.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2019

Surface magnetic activity of the fast-rotating G5-giant IN Comae, central star of the faint planetary nebula LoTr 5

On the AGB, low to intermediate mass stars blow away their outer envelopes, forming planetary nebulae. Interaction between the planetary nebula and its central progenitor is poorly understood and even more complex when the central object is a binary star with a magnetically active component, like it is the case for IN Com. We aim to quantify the surface activity of the cool binary component of IN Com and aim to explain its origin. We need a better understanding of how central binary stars in planetary nebulae evolve and how this evolution could develop such magnetically active stars like IN Com. We present 13 Doppler images covering six months in 2017 and use them to measure the surface differential rotation. Hitherto unpublished photometric data from between 1989-2017 are presented. We apply Fourier-transformation to both photometry and spectra. Very high resolution spectra are used to update IN Com's astrophysical parameters by means of spectral synthesis. Doppler images show cool and warm spots coexisting with an average surface temperature contrast of -1000K and +300K with respect to the effective temperature. Approximately 8% of the surface is covered with cool spots and 3% with warm spots. A cool polar spot is seen in all images. We found anti-solar surface differential rotation with a shear coefficient of -0.026+/-0.005 and an equatorial rotation period of 5.973+/-0.008 d. We reconfirm the 5.9-day rotation period of the cool star from photometry, radial velocities, and H alpha line-profile variations. A long-term V-brightness variation with a likely period of 7.2yr is found. It appears in phase with the orbital radial velocity of the binary system in the sense brightest at highest velocity and faintest at lowest velocity. We redetermine [Ba/Fe], [Y/Fe] and [Sr/Fe] ratios and confirm the overabundance of these s-process elements in the atmosphere of IN Com.

astro-ph.SR↗