Joint Astrophysics Colloquium

The Enigmatic Lambda Boötis Stars

Chris Corbally

Vatican Observatory

Lambda Boötis stars have been an enigma since they were first isolated as a class in 1943. They seem part of the Sun's generation, yet they also masqueraded as an older population in the Galaxy. What gives them their unique spectral characteristics? How long do they retain these? Does where we find them make a difference? What is their connection with exoplanets and young stars? I shall relate the story so far of converting our partial answers into a full scenario.