The Pleiades Controversy Erupts Again

  • Thread starter CygnusX-1
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In summary, "The Pleiades Controversy Erupts Again" is a scientific debate about the age of the Pleiades star cluster. Some scientists argue that the cluster is younger than previously thought, based on the presence of hot, blue stars. Others believe it is older, citing evidence such as debris disks and the lack of hot, blue stars. Scientists determine the age of star clusters through various techniques, including studying the color and brightness of stars, measuring their velocities, and analyzing their chemical composition. The age of the Pleiades is important because it provides insights into the formation and evolution of star clusters, as well as the history of our galaxy, and helps us better understand the properties and behavior of stars.
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CygnusX-1
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New measurements claim to resolve the controversy over the distance to the Pleiades but have in fact only reignited the debate. See reports at Nature and Science.
 
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It boils down to a competition between a couple of parallax measurements. One on the Earth and another by a satellite. Both by methods highly reliable in every other instance. Thus it is quite intreguing.
It's interesting enough that parralax measurements are down to 1.5% uncertainty.
The gripping hand is that there's another satellite coming.
 

1. What is "The Pleiades Controversy Erupts Again" about?

"The Pleiades Controversy Erupts Again" is a scientific debate surrounding the age of the star cluster known as the Pleiades. Some scientists argue that the Pleiades is much younger than previously thought, while others believe it is much older.

2. What evidence supports the idea that the Pleiades is younger?

One of the main pieces of evidence for a younger Pleiades is the presence of hot, blue stars within the cluster. These stars are thought to have a short lifespan, indicating that the cluster must be younger than previously estimated.

3. How do scientists determine the age of a star cluster like the Pleiades?

Scientists use a variety of techniques to estimate the age of a star cluster, including studying the color and brightness of the stars, measuring their velocities, and analyzing the chemical composition of the cluster's stars.

4. What evidence suggests that the Pleiades may be older than previously thought?

Some scientists argue that the Pleiades cluster is actually much older than previously estimated, based on the presence of debris disks and the lack of hot, blue stars. These factors indicate that the cluster may have formed much earlier and has since evolved.

5. Why is the age of the Pleiades important to scientists?

Understanding the age of the Pleiades is important for scientists because it can provide insights into the formation and evolution of star clusters, as well as the overall history of our galaxy. Additionally, accurately determining the age of the Pleiades can help us better understand the properties and behavior of stars in general.

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