Young M-dwarfs flare activity model: Towards better exoplanetary atmospheric characterisation

Context. Stellar flares can significantly influence the atmospheres and habitability of orbiting exoplanets, especially around young and active M dwarfs. Understanding the temporally and spectrally resolved activity of such stars is essential for assessing their impact on planetary environments. Aims. We aim to examine in detail state-of-the-art concepts of flare models to identify what is missing in our understanding of energy deposition during the flare event. By comparing synthetic and observed flare spectra, we seek to determine the modelling frameworks best suited for representing flare energetics and spectral far-ultraviolet features while providing a foundation for investigating flare impacts on exoplanet atmospheres. Methods. In this work, we built the Young M dwarf flare (YMDF) model utilising the combination of radiative-hydrodynamic (RHD) stellar atmosphere models with a high- and low-energy electron beam and corresponding synthetic observables. These models are based on physical principles and were validated with solar and stellar observations. Results. The newly developed YMDF model reproduces the observed continuum rise in both the TESS photometric band and the FUV-A spectral range. Furthermore, the flare distributions generated within this framework show consistency with those observed in our sample of stars. Conclusions. We have developed the YMDF model as a tool to reproduce the time-dependent spectra of flaring young M dwarfs, providing a physically motivated description of their spectral and temporal evolution during flare events.

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Publication Details

Journal
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Published
2025-12-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202556844
Primary Topic
Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies
Type
article
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article

Young M-dwarfs flare activity model: Towards better exoplanetary atmospheric characterisation

Klaus‐Dieter Herbst, Sven Wedemeyer, A.F. Kowalski, S. C. Werner et al.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies
article

Young M-dwarfs flare activity model: Towards better exoplanetary atmospheric characterisation

Klaus‐Dieter Herbst, Sven Wedemeyer, A.F. Kowalski, S. C. Werner, E. Mamonova
article en

Abstract

Context. Stellar flares can significantly influence the atmospheres and habitability of orbiting exoplanets, especially around young and active M dwarfs. Understanding the temporally and spectrally resolved activity of such stars is essential for assessing their impact on planetary environments. Aims. We aim to examine in detail state-of-the-art concepts of flare models to identify what is missing in our understanding of energy deposition during the flare event. By comparing synthetic and observed flare spectra, we seek to determine the modelling frameworks best suited for representing flare energetics and spectral far-ultraviolet features while providing a foundation for investigating flare impacts on exoplanet atmospheres. Methods. In this work, we built the Young M dwarf flare (YMDF) model utilising the combination of radiative-hydrodynamic (RHD) stellar atmosphere models with a high- and low-energy electron beam and corresponding synthetic observables. These models are based on physical principles and were validated with solar and stellar observations. Results. The newly developed YMDF model reproduces the observed continuum rise in both the TESS photometric band and the FUV-A spectral range. Furthermore, the flare distributions generated within this framework show consistency with those observed in our sample of stars. Conclusions. We have developed the YMDF model as a tool to reproduce the time-dependent spectra of flaring young M dwarfs, providing a physically motivated description of their spectral and temporal evolution during flare events.

Astronomy and AstrophysicsVol. 705
University of Oslo (NO), University of Colorado Boulder (US), National Solar Observatory (US), Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (US), Institute of Theoretical Physics (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 74%
Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies
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Young M-dwarfs flare activity model: Towards better exoplanetary atmospheric characterisation — Klaus‐Dieter Herbst, Sven Wedemeyer, et al. · Astronomy and Astrophysics (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS