Multiple star systems are commonly assumed to form coevally; they thus provide the anchor for most calibrations of stellar evolutionary models. In this paper, we study the binary population of the Taurus-Auriga association, using the component positions in an HR diagram in order to quantify the frequency and degree of coevality in young binary systems. After identifying and rejecting the systems that are known to be affected by systematic errors (due to further multiplicity or obscuration by circumstellar material), we find that the relative binary ages, |{Delta}log{tau}|, have an overall dispersion {sigma}|{Delta}log{tau}|~0.40dex.

Cone search capability for table J/ApJ/704/531/tablea1 (Single-star sample: observed properties)

Cone search capability for table J/ApJ/704/531/binaries (Binary sample : observed and inferred properties and derived ages and masses)