Large-scale time-series spectroscopy for stellar ages

TL;DR

This paper advocates for a large-scale time-series spectroscopic program to determine stellar ages, aiming to transform our static view of the Galaxy into a dynamic, age-labeled understanding of its evolution.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach of using time-series spectroscopy to derive stellar ages, enhancing Galactic studies with dynamic, age-specific data.

Findings

Proposes a dedicated program for stellar age determination

Highlights the potential to transform Galactic understanding

Suggests integration with existing large-scale surveys

Abstract

To date, Galactic Astronomy has largely concerned itself with astrophysical processes, and with the locations, space motions and compositions of objects. Consider, for example, the elucidation of the components of the Galaxy over the past decades, its mapping as enabled by Gaia and its predecessors, the photometric and spectroscopic characterization of innumerable astrophysical objects in various wavelength ranges, both from the ground and from space, and the expanding discovery and characterization of exoplanets; all focused on the current, static Galaxy. This White Paper proposes a dedicated program to derive stellar ages from time-series spectroscopy to hasten the transformation of this static conception into a dynamical one with age-labeled objects and events.