Differential Rotation in Young Low-mass Stars

Abstract

Multi-line Doppler imaging methods allow us to image young, rapidly rotating stars brighter than about V = 11.5, with ~ 3 degrees surface resolution. We have recently measured the latitude dependence of the surface rotation rate in three young G and K stars by cross-correlating Doppler images reconstructed from data sets secured several days apart. As a result, new theoretical models of solar and stellar internal rotation can be tested directly against the form, amplitude and spectral-type dependence of differential rotation in both Sun and stars. We present new maps of AB Dor, PZ Tel and RX J1508.6-4423, which all show a solar-like differential rotation pattern and rate of surface shear.