Wide binaries demonstrate the consistency of rotational evolution between open cluster and field stars

Vol. 675
7. Stellar structure and evolution

Wide binaries demonstrate the consistency of rotational evolution between open cluster and field stars

Gyrochronology represents a valuable technique for dating the age of main sequence stars by capitalizing on the observed reduction in stellar rotation over time. By utilizing rotation periods and a mass proxy such as color, gyrochronology enables the estimation of ages for late-type main sequence stars. While its successful application in open clusters is well established, establishing a connection to field stars has posed a persistent challenge.

In their study, the researchers delved into the rotation rates of wide binaries, which represent the smallest possible open clusters and thus serve as informative intermediaries between clusters and field stars. Remarkably, despite the wide binaries' diverse nature, they conform to the same rotational decline pattern observed in open clusters. Moreover, the authors determined that age estimates based on rotation yielded consistent results for both components of the wide binaries. These findings strongly indicate that cluster and field stars undergo the same rotational spindown process, thereby establishing gyrochronology as a viable method for determining the ages of field stars.