# Collaborative Research: Rotational Evolution and Angular Momentum Transport in Deeply Convective Dwarfs

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Hawaii (HI) · $524,548

## Abstract

Stars, like our Sun, spin more slowly as they get older. This happens because they lose energy through winds and magnetic fields. But scientists have found that certain stars—called K dwarfs—don’t slow down the way we expect. These stars seem to stay active and spin faster than they should, even as they age. This project will help us understand why. The researchers will build new computer models to test how energy and magnetism move inside these stars. They will also use large telescopes to directly measure the magnetic fields of K dwarfs that behave in surprising ways. Understanding how stars age is important for many areas of science, including learning the ages of planets around other stars. This project also supports science education in Hawaii by helping teachers bring real astronomy into their classrooms. By combining new models, detailed observations, and outreach, this project will promote scientific progress and expand opportunities for diverse learners to explore space science.

The investigators aim to address the unexpected rotational evolution and persistent magnetic activity observed in K dwarf stars (~3900–5300 K). The project will combine novel internal angular momentum (AM) transport models—including hydrodynamic, gravity wave-driven, and magnetic processes—with modern magnetic braking laws implemented in the Yale Rotating Stellar Evolution Code (YREC). These models will be tested against a wide array of observational constraints, including open cluster rot

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2507889
- **Awardee organization:** University of Hawaii (HI)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** NSCKLFSSABF2
- **PI:** Jennifer L van Saders
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** THEORETICAL & COMPUTATIONAL ASTROPHYSICS, OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
- **Estimated total:** $524,548
- **Funds obligated:** $524,548
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2507889

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2507889, Collaborative Research: Rotational Evolution and Angular Momentum Transport in Deeply Convective Dwarfs. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2507889. Licensed CC0.

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