Chromospheric emission in late-type stars.

Most of the sample targets were selected to be G dwarfs on the basis of colors and spectral types. The bimodal distribution in stellar activity first noted in a sample of northern stars by Vaughan and Preston (1980PASP...92..385V) is confirmed, and the percentage of active stars, about 30%, is remarkably consistent between the northern and southern surveys.

This is especially compelling given that we have used an entirely different instrumental setup and stellar sample than used in the previous study. Comparisons to the Sun, a relatively inactive star, show that most nearby solar-type stars have a similar activity level, and presumably a similar age. We identify two additional subsamples of stars -- a very active group, and a very inactive group.