Red dwarfs as related to galactic structure : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

This thesis addresses the topic of red dwarf stars and how they relate to galactic structure. Results from previous observations are used to analyze the stellar density of nearby red dwarfs. Making assumptions based on a simple model, the stellar densities did not follow an expected pattern so the assumptions were analyzed one by one in an attempt to construct a more accurate model. Stellar surface densities based on observations were computed and compared to expected stellar surface densities. The observed surface densities were not consistent with the expected ones. The reason for the differences is yet unknown.