Kyoto University visit and participation in Superflare Workshop

Abstract

This is a report of my visit to Kyoto University in March 2016 to participate in the Superflare Workshop, supported by the International Research Unit of Advanced Future Studies, Kyoto University. The Superflare Workshop was very well attended by all Japanese superflare researchers on stars and on the Sun, and also by many international experts. There was valuable scientific discussion of superflares on solar-type stars, possible effects on extrasolar planets and also the possibility of superflares on the Sun and the effect on the Earth. My presentation described empirical evidence and diagnostics of white light flare continuum radiation on low mass stars. Also there was discussion of the new 3.8m Japanese telescope at Okayama Observatory, and the possibility for internaitonal collaboration with the ARC 3.5m Telescope at Apache Point Observatory to obtain new time-dependent observations of superflares.