Nordita Astrophysics Seminars

Magnetic Fields in Early Stellar Evolution: The Case of Upper Scorpius

by Gregory Feiden (Uppsala University)

Europe/Stockholm
122:026

122:026

Description
Absolute ages estimated for identifiably young stellar populations strongly depend on which stars are used in the age dating analysis. Cooler K- and M-type stars typically yield ages that are systematically younger by a factor of two compared to warmer A-, F-, and G-type stars. In this talk, I will highlight efforts to understand these age discrepancies as the result of magnetic inhibition of convection in cool young stars. Specifically, I will focus on the adoption of magnetic stellar evolution models to derive a consistent 10 Myr age for the Upper Scorpius subgroup of the Scorpius-Centaurus OB Association. Multiple pieces of evidence in support of this explanation will be presented along with several remaining problems and uncertainties.