Is 44 Tau in the post-MS contraction phase?

TL;DR

This study uses detailed pulsation analysis to determine that the star 44 Tau is in the post-main sequence contraction phase, resolving previous uncertainties about its evolutionary stage.

Contribution

The paper introduces the possibility of 44 Tau being in the post-main sequence contraction phase, supported by new frequency data and comprehensive mode analysis.

Findings

44 Tau's observed frequencies match the post-MS contraction model

The study resolves previous ambiguities about 44 Tau's evolutionary stage

Asteroseismology effectively determines stellar evolutionary phases

Abstract

The evolutionary stage of the delta Scuti star 44 Tau has been unclear. Recent pulsation studies have claimed both main sequence and post-main sequence expansion models. A new photometric study increased the number of detected frequencies in 44 Tau to 49, of which 15 are independent modes. We now find that a previously ignored third possibility, the post-main sequence contraction phase, is in excellent agreement with the observed frequency range, as well as the frequency values of all individual radial and nonradial modes. These results resolve the previous disagreements in the literature and exemplify that asteroseismology can determine the evolutionary status of a star.