How Do You Date a Star?

Dating stars is complex as their age can't be measured directly. Astronomers use methods like plotting stars on an HR diagram to estimate ages of star clusters. For isolated stars, gyrochronology, which relates age to rotation speed, is used but has limitations. Historical records can also help, as seen with Betelgeuse's color change. No single method is perfect, but combined approaches offer insights into stellar evolution and the potential for life in planetary systems.

What challenges do astronomers face when using gyrochronology to date stars?

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Discuss the importance of historical records in studying the evolution of stars like Beetlejuice.

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