Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jan 2010
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010natur.463..207p&link_type=abstract
Nature, Volume 463, Issue 7278, pp. 207-209 (2010).
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
9
Scientific paper
The close binary Algol system contains a radio-bright KIV subgiant star in a very close (0.062 astronomical units) and rapid (2.86 day) orbit with a main sequence B8 star. Because the rotation periods of the two stars are tidally locked to the orbital period, the rapid rotation drives a magnetic dynamo. A large body of evidence points to the existence of an extended, complex coronal magnetosphere originating at the cooler K subgiant. The detailed morphology of the subgiant's corona and its possible interaction with its companion are unknown, though theory predicts that the coronal plasma should be confined in a magnetic loop structure, as seen on the Sun. Here we report multi-epoch radio imaging of the Algol system, in which we see a large, persistent coronal loop approximately one subgiant diameter in height, whose base is straddling the subgiant and whose apex is oriented towards the B8 star. This suggests that a persistent asymmetric magnetic field structure is aligned between the two stars. The loop is larger than anticipated theoretically, but the size may be the result of a magnetic interaction between the two stars.
Goss William Miller
Güdel Manuel
Mutel Robert L.
Peterson William M.
No associations
LandOfFree
A large coronal loop in the Algol system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with A large coronal loop in the Algol system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A large coronal loop in the Algol system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1607164