Seismic indices -- a deep look inside evolved stars

TL;DR

This paper explores how seismic indices derived from stellar oscillations provide detailed insights into the properties and evolution of red giant stars, enabling measurements of fundamental parameters and core conditions.

Contribution

It introduces methods for obtaining precise seismic indices and demonstrates their application in monitoring stellar evolution and Galactic archaeology.

Findings

Seismic indices can accurately determine stellar mass and radius.

Oscillations with mixed character probe core physical conditions.

Seismic data aids in understanding stellar evolution and Galactic history.

Abstract

Independent of stellar modelling, global seismic parameters of red giants provide unique information on the individual stellar properties as well as on stellar evolution. They allow us to measure key stellar parameters, such as the stellar mass and radius, or to derive the distance of field stars. Furthermore, oscillations with a mixed character directly probe the physical conditions in the stellar core. Here, we explain how very precise seismic indices are obtained, and how they can be used for monitoring stellar evolution and performing Galactic archeology.