Solar-Stellar Connections

Prof. Dr. Svetlana Berdyugina

Solar physics allows research on physical processes that are relevant for many other stars. Given the high detail of observation, often the Sun serves as a paradigm. Understanding stellar activity driven by the magnetic dynamo and MHD processes and its influence on the interplanetary environment and planets is the motivation for the research on solar-stellar connections.

We study magnetism of the Sun at a high spatial resolution and in the context of stellar activity. Our goal is to understand the origin, structure and evolution of  magnetic fields in active cool stars with outer convection zones, such as the Sun and including low-mass, fully convective dwarfs. This research is also connected to the influence of stellar radiation and activity on atmospheres and habitability of exoplanets. Hence, our research aims to address the following questions:

• Which processes structure and drive stellar local and global magnetic fields?
• Is the solar magnetism paradigm applicable for stars with a higher activity?
• How do stars influence the planetary environment, atmsopheres and habitability?