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Paper: New Techniques to Determine Ages of Open Clusters Using White Dwarfs
Volume: 372, 15th European Workshop on White Dwarfs
Page: 97
Authors: Jeffery, E.J.; von Hippel, T.; Winget, D.E.; Jefferys, W.H.; Stein, N.; DeGennaro, S.
Abstract: Currently there are two main techniques for independently determining the ages of stellar populations: main sequence evolution theory (via cluster isochrones) and white dwarf cooling theory. Open clusters provide the ideal environment for the calibration of these two clocks. Because currently techniques to derive cluster ages from white dwarfs are observationally challenging, we discuss the feasibility of determining white dwarf ages from the brighter white dwarfs alone. This would eliminate the requirement of observing the coolest (i.e., faintest) white dwarfs. We discuss our method for testing this new idea, as well as the required photometric precision prior constraints on metallicity, etc. We employ a new Bayesian statistical technique to obtain and interpret results.
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