Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2008-11-20
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
To appear in "The Ages of Stars", E.E. Mamajek, D.R. Soderblom, R.F.G. Wyse (eds.), IAU Symposium 258, CUP
Scientific paper
Rotation periods and projected equatorial velocities of pre-main-sequence (PMS) stars in star forming regions can be combined to give projected stellar radii. Assuming random axial orientation, a Monte-Carlo model is used to illustrate that distributions of projected stellar radii are very sensitive to ages and age dispersions between 1 and 10 Myr which, unlike age estimates from conventional Hertzsprung-Russell diagrams, are relatively immune to uncertainties due to extinction, variability, distance etc. Application of the technique to the Orion Nebula cluster reveals radius spreads of a factor of 2--3 (FWHM) at a given effective temperature. Modelling this dispersion as an age spread suggests that PMS stars in the ONC have an age range larger than the mean cluster age, that could be reasonably described by the age distribution deduced from the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. These radius/age spreads are certainly large enough to invalidate the assumption of coevality when considering the evolution of PMS properties (rotation, disks etc.) from one young cluster to another.
No associations
LandOfFree
Age spreads in star forming regions? 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 Age spreads in star forming regions?, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Age spreads in star forming regions? will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-668495