Magnetic Field Induced Radius Inflation of Low-Mass Stars

Abstract

We present results obtained using the magnetic Dartmouth stellar evolution code that address the possibility that magnetic fields are inflating low-mass stars in detached eclipsing binaries. While it seems plausible that magnetic fields are inflating stars with radiative cores, the level of inflation observed among fully convective stars appears too large to be explained by magnetic fields. We provide an alternative explanation, stellar metallicity, and propose observations that can help further constrain stellar models.

4 pages, 3 figures, to appear in proceedings from "Binary 2013: Setting a new standard in the analysis of binary stars."