Origin of mm-wave flares in probable binary systems

Determine whether the millimeter-wave flares detected by the South Pole Telescope SPT-3G and associated with Gaia DR3 sources flagged as probable binaries originate from the matched primary star, from a companion star, or from magnetic interactions between the binary components (e.g., RS Canum Venaticorum-type interactions).

Background

The catalog identifies many SPT-3G flare stars that are probable binaries based on Gaia variability tables and literature searches via VizieR. The sample is over-represented in RS CVn classifications and probable binary candidacy compared to similar non-flaring stars, suggesting binarity may be relevant to the flare mechanism. However, the association of flares to a specific component in these systems is ambiguous, and interactions between components can also produce flares.

Clarifying the origin of mm-wave flares within binary systems is necessary to interpret flare energetics, rates, and emission mechanisms, and to avoid misattribution when cross-matching transient detections to Gaia DR3 sources.