| |
 |
| 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. |
|
|
|
|
|
