Physics of Sun and Star Spots (IAU S273) Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union Symposia and Colloquia Series

Celebrating the centenary of George Ellery Hale's discovery of magnetic fields in sunspots, IAU Symposium 273 reviews the recent advances made in the fields of solar and stellar magnetism. Sunspots are responsible for the time-varying properties of the Sun, including the solar irradiance. Combined study of the spots on the Sun and on other stars provides a greater understanding of sunspot formation and behaviour on a long-term basis. On the other hand, stellar observations can be best understood by using detailed properties of the Sun as a reference point. This volume contains reviews and research articles from solar and stellar astronomers on the recent findings of solar and stellar magnetism using observational, theoretical and simulation studies of the Sun and the stars to approach the subject in a unified manner. Its findings are useful to advanced students and researchers in solar and stellar astronomy.

Preface; 1. Formation and decay of sunspots; 2. Solar magnetism; 3. Origin of solar activity; 4. Formation and evolution of starspots; 5. Stellar magnetism; 6. Starspots and stellar activity; 7. Observational techniques; 8. Unified approach in understanding sun and starspots; Author index; Subject index.