The magnetized bellows of Betelgeuse

Abstract

We present calculations for a magnetized hybrid wind model for Betelegeuse (Orionis). The model is a direct application of our previously derived theory, combining a canonical Weber-Davis stellar wind with dust grains in the envelope of an asymptotic giant branch star. The resulting hybrid picture provides a mechanism for solving the problem of lifting stellar material up from the photosphere and into the circumstellar envelope. It also predicts wind velocities in agreement with current estimates. Our approach reveals that magnetic fields in supergiant stars like Betelgeuse may play a vital role in determining the nature of the stellar outflow and consequently opens a new avenue of investigation in the field of hybrid stellar winds. © 2012 The Authors Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society © 2012 RAS.