Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
1997-06-16
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
10 pages; submitted to Astron. Astrophys
Scientific paper
We address the question how accurately stellar ages can be determined by stellar evolution theory. We select the star with the best observational material available - our Sun. We determine the solar age by fitting solar evolution models to a number of observational quantities including several obtained from helioseismology, such as photospheric helium abundance or p-mode frequencies. Different cases with respect to the number of free parameters and that of the observables to be fitted are investigated. Age is one of the free parameters determined by the procedure. We find that the neglect of hydrogen-helium-diffusion leads to ages deviating by up to 100% from the true, meteoritic solar age. Our best models including diffusion yield ages by about 10% too high. The implication for general stellar age determination is that a higher accuracy than that can not be expected, even with the most up-to-date models. Our results also confirm that diffusion as treated presently in solar models is slightly too effective.
Schlattl Helmut
Weiss Alexander
No associations
LandOfFree
The age of the most nearby star 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 The age of the most nearby star, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The age of the most nearby star will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-656268