Keywords
Astronomy; Stellar Astrophysics; Optics; Instrumentation; Telescopes
Abstract
M dwarfs, the most abundant stars in the galaxy, are prime targets in the search for habitable exoplanets. However, their high flare activity may compromise planetary atmospheres, with Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) increasing this risk. Despite this, the relationship between M dwarf flares and CMEs is not well understood. This study uses archival data from Evryscope North and South, crossmatched with Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and Gaia data, to investigate this relationship. This crossmatching demonstrated an abundance of stars within the 20 arcsecond Evryscope uncertainty. The analysis also revealed a modest excess of K1 and F9 type stars but is lacking in conclusive evidence of M dwarf counterparts. The methods developed will be used in future observations with the Original PolyOculus Array (OPA) at Mount Laguna Observatory, which aims to spectroscopically observe live flares from M dwarfs and determine whether they are accompanied by CMEs, with implications for exoplanet habitability.
Thesis Completion Year
2025
Thesis Completion Semester
Spring
Thesis Chair
Eikenberry, Stephen
College
College of Sciences
Department
Physics
Thesis Discipline
Astronomy
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
STARS Citation
Thomas, Tyler J., "Archival Stellar Flare Follow-up in Evryscope Observations" (2025). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 315.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/315
Rights Statement
