We present a self-consistent , absolute isochronal age scale for young ( \lesssim 200 Myr ) , nearby ( \lesssim 100 pc ) moving groups , which is consistent with recent lithium depletion boundary ages for both the \beta Pic and Tucana-Horologium moving groups .
This age scale was derived using a set of semi-empirical pre-main-sequence model isochrones that incorporate an empirical colour- T _ { eff } relation and bolometric corrections based on the observed colours of Pleiades members , with theoretical corrections for the dependence on log g .
Absolute ages for young , nearby groups are vital as these regions play a crucial role in our understanding of the early evolution of low- and intermediate-mass stars , as well as providing ideal targets for direct imaging and other measurements of dusty debris discs , substellar objects and , of course , extrasolar planets .