Ultraviolet Spectropolarimetry With Polstar: Hot Star Magnetospheres

• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2111.06434
• Publication Date: 2021-01-01
• Authors: M. E. Shultz; R. Casini; Mark C. M. Cheung; Alexandre David-Uraz; Tanausú del Pino ...; C. Erba; C. P. Folsom; K. G. Gayley; Richard Ignace; Z. Keszthelyi; O. Kochukhov; Yaël Nazé; C. Neiner; M. E. Oksala; V. Pétit; Paul A. Scowen; N. Sudnik; Asif ud‐Doula; J. S. Vink; G. A. Wade
• Keywords: Ultraviolet; Spitzer Space Telescope

Polstar is a proposed NASA MIDEX space telescope that will provide high-resolution, simultaneous full-Stokes spectropolarimetry in the far ultraviolet, together with low-resolution linear polarimetry near ultraviolet. In this white paper, we describe unprecedented capabilities observatory would offer order to obtain unique information on magnetic and plasma properties of magnetospheres hot stars. This enable test fundamental hypothesis should act rapidly drain angular momentum, thereby spinning star down, whilst simultaneously reducing net mass-loss rate. Both effects are expected lead dramatic differences evolution vs. non-magnetic