Determining the age of any star is one of the most difficult challenges in astrophysics. Gyrochronology is the observed correlation between a star’s period of rotation and its age. We are using wide stellar binary pairs in an attempt to calibrate the rotation-age relation. Components in each pair are the same age and so should have rotation periods commensurate with the gyrochronology paradigm.
We are experimenting with a “daisy chaining” method, which has the potential to map a band of constant age across the plot of rotation period vs. color index (a proxy for age) using wide binary pairs. Preliminary results suggest the approach can establish a net pattern along a band of constant age, known as a “gyrochrone.” Once tied to absolute ages defined by star clusters, the approach may provide age estimates for single field stars.