Special Session SS21  26 June 2025

Stellar magnetism and its effects on the planetary environment: from solar-like stars to ultracool dwarfs

Aims and scope

The study of stellar magnetic activity has recently become increasingly vital due to its significant implications for the habitability of exoplanets. This session aims to explore the latest advancements in the theory and observation of solar and stellar magnetism, bringing together researchers in the fields of astrophysics and exoplanetary science—including experts both on theory and observation. Key topics include the operation of stellar dynamos, the impact of magnetic activity on stellar environments, and the influence of stellar magnetism on nearby exoplanets.

Programme

Discussions will address critical questions such as:

• What are the observable indicators of dynamo processes and what observing strategies are needed to enhance the study of stellar dynamos across different stages of stellar evolution?
• To what extent can we use the solar paradigm, i.e., use the Sun to model other stars?
• In what ways does stellar magnetism affect the habitability of nearby exoplanets?
• What are the fundamental conditions for planetary habitability concerning stellar magnetic activity?

Our goal is therefore to create an atmosphere of lively discourse for a better understanding of the magnetic dynamo which may have been a prerequisite for the appearance of life on Earth as well.

Invited speakers

• Ekaterina Ilin (Star-planet interactions) Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP)/ ASTRON, Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy
• Martin Leitzinger (Stellar transients and their effects on habitability) University of Graz
• Oleg Kochukhov (Stellar dynamos and their observable properties) Uppsala University

Scientific organisers

• Antoaneta Antonova, co-chair Institute of Astronomy and NAO, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
• Rim Fares United Arab Emirates University
• Antonio Frasca Istituto Nazionale di AstroFisica
• Thomas Hackman University of Helsinki
• Heidi Korhonen, co-chair Max Planck Institute for Astronomy
• Zsolt Kővári HUN-REN Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Konkoly Observatory
• Kosuke Namekata Kyoto University/NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
• Petra Odert University of Graz
• Krisztián Vida, chair HUN-REN Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Konkoly Observatory

Contact

Krisztián Vida (vidakris  @  konkoly.hu)

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