The physics of flare stars

This paper reports the researches of the Texas flare star group. High time resolution and simultaneous photometric, spectroscopic and, if possible, radio observations of flaring stars are essential. Fast and slow flares are distinguished and their distinct optical, spectroscopic, and probably radio effects are noted. The starspot model satisfactorily accounts for many optical and spectroscopic flare star properties, including the precursor phenomenon and quasi periodicity of flaring found by some observers. The basic mechanism of flares is thought to be magnetic field collapse on a scale vastly greater than in the Sun, but further observations are essential, even though there are theoretical grounds for support. No analogue of the solar cycle has yet been detected. The problem of duplicity remains a puzzle. (Auth.)