What is a flare star?
Q: What is a flare star?
A: A flare star is a variable star that unpredictably becomes much brighter for a few minutes at a time. Flares happen on these stars due to magnetic disturbances in the atmosphere of the star, and they increase in brightness across the spectrum from X-rays to radio waves.
Q: When were the first known flare stars discovered?
A: The first known flare stars were discovered in 1924, they were V1396 Cygni and AT Microscopii.
Q: What is the best-known example of a flare star?
A: The best-known example of a flare star is UV Ceti, which was discovered in 1948.
Q: How often do flares occur on Barnard's Star?
A: Flares can occur once every few days or less frequently on Barnard's Star.
Q: Is Proxima Centauri also a flare star?
A: Yes, Proxima Centauri is also a flare star.
Q: What type of stars are most likely to be able to produce flares?
A: Most flare stars are dim red dwarfs, although less massive (lighter) brown dwarfs might also be able to produce flares. The more massive (heavier) RS Canum Venaticorum variables (RS CVn) are also known to produce flares caused by companion stars in binary systems disturbing their magnetic fields.
Q: Are there any similar examples of Sun-like stars producing flares? A:Yes, nine Sun-like stars have been seen to produce flares which may be caused by massive planets like Jupiter orbiting them closely and disturbing their magnetic fields.
