M67 Star Cluster Study Provides Insights into Sun's Evolution

A recent study of the M67 star cluster, a stellar family formed approximately four billion years ago, offers insights into the Sun's evolution. Led by Dr. Claudia Reyes from UNSW's School of Physics, the research analyzed stars within M67, which share a common origin but vary in mass, making them ideal for studying stellar evolution. The M67 cluster mirrors the conditions of the Sun's birth, offering potential clues about its formation and future. Researchers used asteroseismology, analyzing stellar oscillations from NASA's Kepler K2 mission, to determine the stars' internal structure, density, and temperature. These vibrations reveal precise information about a star's mass and age. By comparing frequency separations within M67 stars, the study refines stellar evolution models, particularly for solar-type stars. The findings contribute to understanding galaxy formation, evolution, and the habitability of planets around other stars.