CFHT UM2025 - Presentation Details
Abstract Details
Title: Unveiling the magnetic cycles of M dwarfs with ESPaDOnS and SPIRou at CFHT
Presenter: Julien Morin
Abstract:
Main co-authors: S. Bellotti, M. Diez, P. Petit One of the most striking properties of the solar dynamo is that it generates a magnetic field that varies cyclically over a typical 22-year period. Beyond the solar case, the advent of 2nd generation stellar spectropolarimeters such as ESPaDOnS has made it possible to detect regular magnetic pole reversals for several solar-type stars and to link them to chromospheric activity cycles. In the case of M dwarf stars, studies based on photometric measurements, chromospheric indices or polarization of radio emission hint at activity cycles, but before SPIRou went online no clear reversal of the large-scale magnetic field had been reported. In this contribution, I will first present the current state of knowledge on the long-term (~ decadal) magnetic variability of M dwarfs as revealed by combining spectropolarimetric data collected with ESPaDOnS and then SPIRou at CFHT since 2005. The importance of dense datasets obtained in the framework of SPIRou large programs will be emphasized. Secondly, I will discuss ongoing and future plans for long-term spectropolarimetric monitoring using Wenaokeao and synergies with space-based photometry. A companion poster presented by M. Diez will specifically focus on synergies with ESA's PLATO mission.