Pinpointing the age of the Hyades Cluster using CHARA Array interferometry

We used the CHARA Array interferometer to determine the angular diameters and estimate the age of a select four Hyades cluster giants: γ, δ, ϵ, and θ Tau. The overarching goal of the project was to determine the age of the Hyades cluster as a whole stellar population via the similarities of the four stars to the greater group. To determine the age of these four stars we first explored the reduced CHARA data of these objects to determine stellar properites. For example, using LITPro the angular diameters were derived using a limb-darkening disk power function model, with measurements of error less than 0.25%. Furthermore, we find insight from VOSA which combines synthetic photometry with public databases, it is possible to identify key stellar properties including effective temperature and bolometric flux for all four stars. These values combined with angular diameters helped calculate luminosity which was then used to position the stars on isochrone maps, allowing for an age estimate of the entire Hyades cluster. With continued refinement of the age estimation this study concluded a narrowed age estimate of the stars to be around 500 to 600 Myr which signifies the same results for the greater Hyades Cluster. This study showcases the advanced capabilities of the CHARA Array's latest instruments, emphasizing their significance in obtaining high-precision measurements of the any object but specifically the Hyades here. Additionally, we drew comparisons with prior CHARA measurements of these stars, providing a broader context for the results. This work contributes to our understanding of the stellar evolution, the cosmic distance scale and the refinement of stellar models through precise interferometric techniques.