Early Stellar Evolution and the Role of Magnetic Fields

Presentation given at the 2017 Georgia Regional Astronomy Meeting (GRAM) at the University of Georgia (Athens, GA, USA).

Abstract
Young low-mass stars often exhibit observational signatures of temperature anisotropies on their surface. The features, known as starspots, are thought to be the result of strong magnetic fields analogous to sunspots at the Sun's photosphere. Despite the apparent prevalence of starspots, and thus magnetic fields, on young stars, little is known about the role that magnetic phenomena have in governing early stellar structure and evolution. After a brief introduction to stellar magnetism and starspot formation theory, I will highlight efforts at the University of North Georgia to understand the influence that starspots and their magnetic fields have on the lives of young low-mass stars. Emphasis will be placed on how these phenomena affect commonly accepted ages of young stellar systems.