The Living with a Red Dwarf Program: dM Star Evolution and the Usefulness of Rotation as an Age Indicator
Abstract
The ability to accurately estimate the age of a dM stars is of critical importance. However, due to their long lifetimes, and very slow nuclear evolution, the best method for determining ages would seem to be through "magnetic tracers” such as X-UV activity levels and stellar rotation rates. The Living with a Red Dwarf Program's database of dM stars with photometrically determined rotation rates (from starspot modulations) is becoming substantial, and has recently been expanded to include dM stars with well-detached WD companions - through which reliable ages can be determined. When combined with dM stars possessing cluster/population memberships, or specific kinematics, a full range of Main Sequence ages is being realized. We report on our continuing efforts to build reliable Age-Activity-Rotation relationships for dM stars. Such relationships have broad impacts on not only the studies of Magnetic Dynamo Theory and Angular Momentum Loss on low-mass stars with deep convective zones, but also the suitability of planets around red dwarfs to sustain life. We hope that, after proper calibration, the relationships will also permit the age of a field red dwarf to be determined through measures of either its rotation period or X-UV activity level.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #218
- Pub Date:
- May 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011AAS...21832503E