The BinaMIcS project: Understanding the origin of magnetic fields in massive stars through close binary systems

E. Alecian, C. Neiner, G. A. Wade, S. Mathis, D. Bohlender, D. Cébron, C. Folsom, J. Grunhut, J. B. Le Bouquin, V. Petit, H. Sana, A. Tkachenko, A. Ud-Doula

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

It is now well established that a fraction of the massive (M > 8 M S™) star population hosts strong, organised magnetic fields, most likely of fossil origin. The details of the generation and evolution of these fields are still poorly understood. The BinaMIcS project takes an important step towards the understanding of the interplay between binarity and magnetism during the stellar formation and evolution, and in particular the genesis of fossil fields, by studying the magnetic properties of close binary systems. The components of such systems are most likely formed together, at the same time and in the same environment, and can therefore help us to disentangle the role of initial conditions on the magnetic properties of the massive stars from other competing effects such as age or rotation. We present here the main scientific objectives of the BinaMIcS project, as well as preliminary results from the first year of observations from the associated ESPaDOnS and Narval spectropolarimetric surveys.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)330-335
Number of pages6
JournalProceedings of the International Astronomical Union
Volume9
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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