Stellar Ages of M Dwarf Hosts of Temperate Sub-Neptunes
astro-ph.EP, astro-ph.SR
Submitted: 2026-09-15
Updated: 2026-09-15
Comments: 12 pages, 9 Figures, accepted for publication in MNRAS
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The gist: Measuring M dwarf ages is a central challenge in stellar astrophysics.
Terminology
Abstract
Measuring M dwarf ages is a central challenge in stellar astrophysics. These stars evolve so slowly that isochrone fitting gives little constraint, requiring alternative methods based on rotation, activity, and kinematics. Reliable ages help constrain the formation and evolution of planetary systems around M dwarfs, including the temperate sub-Neptunes now being characterised with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). We present an age analysis of six nearby M dwarf planet hosts (TOI-732, TOI-736, TOI-270, TOI-1468, TOI-1231, and K2-18) using lithium absorption at 6708 Å, rotation periods, and Galactic kinematics. The Li I 6708 Åfeature is absent above 3 σ in all targets, implying substantial depletion and ages exceeding 200 Myr. Rotation periods of 39-145 days yield ages of 2.8-8.6 Gyr, calibrated against open cluster M dwarfs and including the intrinsic dispersion of the rotation-age relation. Kinematic ages span 0.8-13 Gyr with uncertainties of 4-6 Gyr. These are less precise per star but help identify outliers such as TOI-1231 (13 Gyr) and K2-18 (1-2 Gyr) and place the stars in Galactic context. Rotation yields age constraints 2-6 times tighter than kinematics where periods are measured, and comparable constraints where periods must be inferred from chromospheric activity. Combining multiple indicators enables more secure classification of these stars' evolutionary states, providing reference points for future comparative studies.
Sources
- JWST Reveals CH$_4$, CO$_2$, and H$_2$O in a Metal-rich Miscible Atmosphere on a Two-Earth-Radius Exoplanet
- A water-rich interior in the temperate sub-Neptune K2-18 b revealed by JWST
Related papers
- PDS 70 c and SR 12 c: Observational Constraints on Giant-Planet and Satellite Formation
- Two-stage disruption of resonant chains
- Detectability of resolved hydrogen lines from the accretion shock at gas giants and their CPDs
- Binary-lens Microlensing Degeneracy: Impact on Planetary Sensitivity and Mass-ratio Function
- Atmospheric escape fractionates secondary but not primary atmospheres
- The Occurrence Rate of Nearby Planetary Companions to Hot Jupiters