GBT26A-553

Constraining the Spectral Properties of X-band M-dwarf Flares

Abstract

We request 48 hours of filler X-band monitoring of the flare star YZ CMi (dM4.5Ve), which is an active and strong stellar radio source. We will use the VEGAS continuum mode to analyze radio flares that occur, building a comprehensive database of mid-frequency radio flare properties (e.g. duration, amplitudes) on a single M-dwarf for the first time. The target is well studied at other bands (optical, X-ray), so we will compare other flare frequency rates to the radio, which has only been attempted for one other star. The average spectral peak frequency of M-dwarf flares is currently unknown, as recent observations routinely indicate peaks beyond 15 GHz, as opposed to the average solar value around 6 GHz. We will calculate flare spectral indices across the X-band using multiple spectrometers to determine whether the average M-dwarf peak frequency is above or below 10 GHz. We will also analyze physical properties of the flaring loops and accelerated particles, based on whether the spectral indices indicate optically thick (e.g. electron densities) or optically thin (e.g. particle kinetic energies) radiation.

Investigators

Name	Institution
GBT Operator	Green Bank Observatory
Isaiah Tristan *	Rice University; Colorado at Boulder, University of
Rachel Osten	Johns Hopkins University; Space Telescope Science Institute
Meredith MacGregor	Johns Hopkins University
Yuta Notsu	Colorado at Boulder, University of
Guadalupe Tovar Mendoza	Johns Hopkins University
Kylee Carden	Johns Hopkins University

* indicates the PI