Clusters as benchmarks for measuring fundamental stellar parameters

TL;DR

This paper discusses how young star clusters serve as benchmarks for measuring fundamental stellar parameters, highlighting the use of evolutionary models and recent spectroscopic survey results to understand early stellar evolution.

Contribution

It evaluates the effectiveness and limitations of stellar evolutionary models in determining stellar ages and masses using young clusters and binary systems.

Findings

Models have limitations in accurately determining stellar ages.

Recent spectroscopic surveys challenge existing models of early stellar evolution.

Young clusters provide valuable benchmarks for stellar parameter measurements.

Abstract

In this contribution I will discuss fundamental stellar parameters as determined from young star clusters; specifically those with ages less than or approximately equal to that of the Pleiades. I will focus primarily on the use of stellar evolutionary models to determine the ages and masses of stars, as well as discuss the limitations of such models using a combination of both young clusters and eclipsing binary systems. In addition, I will also highlight a few interesting recent results from large on-going spectroscopic surveys (specifically Gaia-ESO and APOGEE/IN-SYNC) which are continuing to challenge our understanding of the formation and early evolutionary stages of young clusters.