Rapid magnetic flux variability on the flare star CN Leonis

Abstract

We present UVES/VLT observations of the nearby flare star CN Leo covering the Wing-Ford FeH band near 1mu with high spectral resolution. Some of the FeH absorption lines in this band are magnetically sensitive and allow a measurement of the mean magnetic flux on CN Leo. Our observations, covering three nights separated by 48 hours each, allow a clear detection of a mean magnetic field of Bf~2.2kG. The differential flux measurements show a night-to-night variability with extremely high significance. Finally, our data strongly suggest magnetic flux variability on time scales as low as 6 hours in line with chromospheric variability.

arXiv comment4 pages, accepted for publication as A&A Letter

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• GTC/CanariCam deep mid-infrared imaging survey of northern stars within 5 pc