This timely volume provides the first comprehensive review and synthesis of current understanding of magnetic fields in the Sun and similar stars. Magnetic activity results in a wealth of phenomena - including starspots, non-radiatively heated outer atmospheres, activity cycles, deceleration of rotation rates, and even, in close binaries, stellar cannibalism - all of which are covered clearly and authoritatively. This book brings together for the first time recent results in solar studies and stellar studies. The result is an illuminating new view of stellar magnetic activity. Key topics include radiative transfer, convective simulations, dynamo theory, outer-atmospheric heating, stellar winds and angular momentum loss. Researchers are provided with a state-of-the-art review of this exciting field, and the pedagogical style and introductory material make the book an ideal and welcome introduction for graduate students.

This book provides an introduction to our current knowledge of stellar magnetic activity. It is intended for graduate or advanced undergraduate students or researchers new to the field. Starting with the Sun, it extends to stars of all masses and ages. Topics include the production and measurement of the fields themselves, their effects on the stellar atmospheres, the diagnostics we use to understand them, and the effects of the magnetic activity on the star and its surrounds over time. This field is rapidly advancing, and the book will serve as an initial resource for those new to the area, or as an overview for those already involved who want a wider or historical perspective, along with suggestions as to which directions that new research might take. Key Features: Provides simple physical explanations of the diagnostics used to understand stellar activity Takes a historical approach to the subject, including a look to the future Refers to milestone articles, with an explanation of their importance Contains numerous diagrams, images, and videos Uses simple language to convey the science

The first comprehensive review and synthesis of current understanding of magnetic fields in the Sun and similar stars.

Third edition textbook for use on advanced courses on stellar physics.

The Sun as a Guide to Stellar Physics illustrates the significance of the Sun in understanding stars through an examination of the discoveries and insights gained from solar physics research. Ranging from theories to modeling and from numerical simulations to instrumentation and data processing, the book provides an overview of what we currently understand and how the Sun can be a model for gaining further knowledge about stellar physics. Providing both updates on recent developments in solar physics and applications to stellar physics, this book strengthens the solar–stellar connection and summarizes what we know about the Sun for the stellar, space, and geophysics communities. Applies observations, theoretical understanding, modeling capabilities and physical processes first revealed by the sun to the study of stellar physics Illustrates how studies of Proxima Solaris have led to progress in space science, stellar physics and related fields Uses characteristics of solar phenomena as a guide for understanding the physics of stars