On heating of stellar (solar) chromospheres and coronae by magnetoacoustic waves: A review

Abstract

Stellar chromospheres and coronae may be heated by waves of various types. Magnetoacoustic waves are one of them. Subphotospheric turbulence generates various types of waves. Here the basic theory of generation, propagation and dissipation of waves is briefly described. Heating of stellar atmosphere by magnetoacoustic waves is reviewed. Because of our poor knowledge of subphotospheric turbulent motions the estimated wave fluxes seem to be erroneous consequently the estimates of heating are also in error. The fast mode waves suffer total internal reflection during propagation in the chromosphere. Unless mode conversion to other waves occurs they cannot heat stellar atmosphere. Thus mode conversion could play an important role in understanding the heating of stellar chromospheres and coronae.