Uncertainties in Cluster Ages
Cluster ages are determined by comparing the stars in the cluster to computer models of the cluster.
Although there is rough agreement about the ages of stars in open clusters determined by various methods, there
is some uncertainty because computer models assume details about the interior of stars that are matters of some
conjecture. One example is the amount of convection (turbulent mixing) that takes place in the interior of
relatively young stars; changing the assumptions can alter the estimated age of the cluster.