3D radiative MHD simulations of starspots

Abstract

We computed realistic 3D radiative magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) near-surface models of starspots with substantial penumbrae on cool main sequence stars using the MURaM simulation code. This work is an improvement on the previous starspot models in a slab geometry. The umbra, penumbra, and the quiet star for all starspots are distinct, not only in intensity and temperature, but also in thermodynamic and velocity structure. These models represent a significant step towards modeling the starspot contribution to stellar light curves.