Title: The Age of the Oldest Stars
Speaker: Mike Bolte
Abstract: The status of globular cluster ages based on comparison of color-magnitude diagrams to stellar evolution models will be reviewed with emphasis on the ramifications of Hipparcos-based distances to local Pop II stars. Results from two alternative methods for measuring ages of old stars, white dwarf cooling times and radioactive dating based on thorium abundances, will also be presented.
Reference for students: Bolte & Hogan 1995, Nature, 376, 399. Lunch on Thursday 4/13 at 12:00 pm in the classroom.