Title: M dwarfs: complete set of models and seismic potential

Place: Seminar del DAA. Jeroni Muñoz Research Building, fourth floor, in Burjassot.

Day: Wendsday, march 26, 2025. Time: 12:00.

Abstract:

M-type dwarfs are the most common stars of the Universe, they live forever and are the preferred laboratory for the search of Earth-like exoplanets. However, the fundamental parameters of such stars are ill-constrained, as their magnetic activity, starspots, or unknown metallicity all lead to radius and/or colour discrepancies. Their activity also tends to screen granulation or oscillations that could bring needed insights on their physics.  

Models are thus of crucial importance: I present new model grids and associated isochrones obtained with the MESA stellar evolution code for a wide range of metallicities and mixing parameters, as well as a variety of atmospheres, and their comparison with previous ones from the literature. I also study their theoretical oscillations, which despite being excited, have still not been observed : my calculations shall guide the search for the elusive pulsations in M dwarfs.

These models and oscillations, when used to interpret observations, will ultimately allow us test the accuracy of the underlying physics such as the internal composition, deuterium and helium-3 burning, and rotation-age relations.