Evolutionary models and pulsation analysis of selected MOST and MONS target stars : [Epsilon] Eridani, [Beta] Hydri, and [Beta] Geminorum

Abstract

Stellar evolution models and their associated non-radial pulsation spectra are presented for the nearby stars [varepsilon] Eridani (K2 V), β Hydri (G2 IV), β Geminorum (K2 III). This analysis was performed in preparation for the future observations of these (and other) stars by the MOST and MONS space missions. These missions will be able to identify non-radial oscillations on a variety of stars. This work is an uncertainty analysis of the oscillation spectra. These results represent the latest stellar evolution models and asteroseismological analyses of the three stars, and include a possible age indicator for [varepsilon] Eridani, the effects of mode bumping during subgiant evolution, and a possible mass refinement for β Gem. This work also includes a brief review of the observational techniques used to detect non-radial oscillations on distant stars, and of previously successful and failed seismology observations.