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Paper: Low-Mass Eclipsing Binaries: Observations vs. Theory
Volume: 448, 16th Cambridge Workshop on Cool Stars, Stellar Systems, and the Sun
Page: 99
Authors: Morales, J. C.; Ribas, I.; Jordi, C.
Abstract: In recent years, analyses of eclipsing binary systems have unveiled differences between the observed fundamental properties of low-mass stars and those predicted by stellar structure models. Particularly, radii and effective temperatures computed from models are 5–10% lower and 3–5% higher than observed, respectively. Given the high accuracy of the empirical measurements (typically 1–2%), these differences are very significant. The discrepancies have been attributed to different factors, notably to the high levels of magnetic activity present on these stars. Here, we review the observational evidence on the fundamental properties of low-mass stars and discuss possible ways to reconcile observation and theory. In particular, we analyze the consequences of magnetic activity both on models and on the observational analysis of eclipsing binaries. With all evidence in hand, we propose a self-consistent scenario that explains the discrepancies by considering several factors, including an observational bias caused by polar spots, the radiative impact of spots themselves and the reduced efficiency of convective energy transport in the presence of magnetic fields.
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