Evidence for large-scale, global mass inflow and flaring on the late-type fast rotator BD+22 degrees 4409

We present new results from high-resolution spectroscopic observations of t he late-type fast rotator BD+22 degrees 4409, revealing interesting aspects about its magnetic activity that have not been considered before. Analysis of the extremely variable and rotationally broadened chromospheric Ha emis sion profile provides clear evidence for an intense and continuous downflow of absorbing material. A high level of activity was also exhibited in the form of two consecutive flares that lasted for almost five hours. The decay of the second flare was accompanied by a dramatic absorption in the blue h alf of the H alpha profile that is attributed to the development of cool fl are loops. The observed circulation of material and the presence of magneti c loops in connection to the chromospheric flare suggest plasma is being ef fectively transferred between the chromosphere and the corona. As opposed to similar active and fast rotators, direct evidence of cool pro minence clouds has not been found in this star. The results provide strong support for recent theoretical studies by van den Oord et al. (1997). In th at work it was concluded that such prominences are only stable at some dist ance from the star in the equatorial plane. Unstable material would be expe cted to flow towards the poles along magnetic lines. The inclination of BD22 degrees 4409, i similar to 50 degrees, favours the detection of such flo w as an asymmetry in chromospheric lines profiles. However, it could make c louds undetectable if they can never be seen in projection on the disk.