Stalling the Rotation-evolution of Sun-like Stars

The study of Sun-like stars and their rotation-evolution is a critical area of astrophysics, particularly due to the role of dynamo-driven magnetic fields in heating stellar atmospheres and driving stellar winds. These winds result in the loss of angular momentum, causing stars with masses between 0.2 and 1.5 solar masses to spin down during their main sequence phase. This spin-down process is closely linked to stellar age, forming the basis of gyrochronology, a technique used to estimate stellar ages from rotation period observations. The upcoming PLATO mission, along with asteroseismology, aims to refine these age estimates. However, data from the Kepler/K2 missions have revealed gaps in our understanding, particularly concerning the rotation period evolution of older Sun-like stars. Current models address angular momentum exchanges between a young star and its disk, and between the radiative core and convective envelope, but they fall short in explaining the stalling observed around 0.6 to 1 billion years into a star's main sequence lifetime and the weakened magnetic braking in stars older than the Sun. These gaps limit the accuracy of gyrochronology, necessitating further investigation into the physical mechanisms behind these stalling epochs.

This research topic aims to explore the mechanisms that may be responsible for the observed gaps or epochs of stalling in the rotation evolution of Sun-like stars. The primary objective is to enhance the understanding of the physical processes that contribute to these stalling periods, which currently lack a strong theoretical basis. By addressing these gaps, the research seeks to improve the reliability of stellar age estimates derived from gyrochronology. Specific questions include identifying the physical mechanisms behind the intermediate-rotation gap and the weakened magnetic braking in older Sun-like stars. Additionally, the research will test hypotheses related to the exchange of angular momentum and the role of magnetic fields in these processes.

To gather further insights into the rotation-evolution of Sun-like stars, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Reviews and mini-reviews on modelling the angular momentum-loss rates of Sun-like stars.
- Studies on accounting for the stalling of rotation in gyrochronology and magneto-gyrochronology.
- Research on calibrating photometric and asteroseismic rotation periods.
- Contextual analyses of the upcoming ESA PLATO mission.
- Original research from observations of solar/stellar magnetism to models of solar/stellar coronae, winds, and rotation-evolution.
- Hypotheses and theories that address the challenges posed by current observational constraints.

Keywords: solar-like stars, gyrochronology, stellar magnetic field, PLATO, Kepler, asteroseismology, stellar rotation

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.