Six Methods for Distinguishing Rotation and Reversal in a Stellar Magnetic Field

Abstract

Periodic changes in a stellar magnetic field can be explained in two ways: the oblique rotator model or the solar cycle model. Although many papers favor the oblique rotator model, there has not been enough evidence to rule out the solar cycle model definitively. This paper presents five new observations (together with a old one) that can be carried out to distinguish magnetic field rotation and magnetic field reversal.