RUI: Multi-Band Spectral Photometry of Orion Population and Dwarf M Stars at Van Vleck Observatory

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This award supports continued use of the 0.6 meter telescope on the campus of Wesleyan University to monitor stars that appear to have starspots and other activity. Observations in the light of hydrogen-alpha will be improved to the point where even the normally active, Sun-like stars can be monitored. The observations will be extended to activity on cooler stars by monitoring the calcium infrared triplet lines. Stars with large spots change their brightness as they rotate the spots into and out of our view. Thus measurements of brightness changes inform us directly of the rate at which the stars rotate. A knowledge of stellar rotation is valuable because rotation is a major cause for starspots and other activity similar to solar activity. This program has emphasized observations of very young stars, especially the star T Tauri and other members of the T Tauri class, because these show very strong activity. The Sun may once have been similarly active.