Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
1995-01-17
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
5 pages plus 3 figures ps format, paper in press in MNRAS: previous attempt lost the text
Scientific paper
The white dwarf luminosity function of a stellar cluster will have a sharp truncation at a luminosity which is determined by the time since formation of the first white dwarfs in that cluster. Calculation of the dependence of this limiting luminosity on age requires relatively well-understood physics and is independent of stellar evolutionary models. Thus, measurement of the termination of the white dwarf luminosity function provides an independent method to determine the age of a cluster, and thereby to calibrate stellar evolutionary ages. We have obtained HST WFPC2 data in two open clusters, identified the white dwarf sequence, and proved the feasibility of this approach, by detecting white dwarfs to V=25. Much deeper data are feasible. From our present limited data, we show that degenerate cooling ages are not consistent with some published isochrone ages for clusters with ages of order 1Gyr.
Gilmore Gerard
Hippel Ted von
Jones Derek H. P.
No associations
LandOfFree
An Independent Calibration of Stellar Ages: HST Observations of White Dwarfs at V=25 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with An Independent Calibration of Stellar Ages: HST Observations of White Dwarfs at V=25, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and An Independent Calibration of Stellar Ages: HST Observations of White Dwarfs at V=25 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-573164