Old Star Clusters: Stellar Activity and Galactic Structure

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AST-0507655Kenneth JanesBoston UniversityOld Star Clusters: Stellar Activity and Galactic StructureABSTRACTA long-term program to monitor the activity among main-sequence open-cluster stars in clusters of ages comparable to the Sun (2 to 8 billion years) will be continued. The work is motivated in part towards a better understanding solar activity (past, present, and future): is the current level of activity in the Sun typical of stars of its age? Does activity decline with age? Is the rate of decline in older stars consistent with the dynamo theory for magnetic activity in the Sun? Here the seven year photometric monitoring of photospheric surface activity among main-sequence stars in four cluster (of ages from 2 to 8 billion years) will be continued for another three years using the Perkins Re-Imaging System at the Lowell Observatory. The result will be a database of precision photometry of sun-like stars covering a duration comparable to the solar cycle which may be used to help answer such questions.A companion study with heavy undergraduate involvement will also be undertaken to characterize little studied open clusters in the outer disk of the Galaxy using the same equipment at Lowell. This work will be used to provide targets for future projects. Participation will be open to any undergraduate at Boston University.