What specialized technique analyzes stellar oscillations or 'starquakes' to constrain mass?

Asteroseismology

While binary dynamics and the Mass-Luminosity Relation are historically the primary tools, newer, more direct methods are emerging, particularly for single stars. Asteroseismology represents one of these advanced avenues. This technique involves the detailed study of the internal structure of stars by analyzing their natural, periodic oscillations, sometimes referred to metaphorically as 'starquakes.' By measuring the precise frequencies of these internal sound waves as they travel through the star's interior, scientists can construct a map of the star's internal density profile. Since the internal structure, density profile, and fusion physics are intimately linked to the star's total mass, asteroseismology offers a way to constrain mass estimates that is independent of luminosity-based relationships, thereby increasing the overall trustworthiness of the stellar catalog.