Physics
Scientific paper
May 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006sptz.prop30254p&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #30254
Physics
Scientific paper
Star formation rates (SFR) are considered the key to understanding galaxy formation and evolution. All wavelength regions have been exploited to determine the SFR by studying massive star forming regions at all redshifts. Indeed, traditionally, SFR in galaxies are determined based upon H alpha, FIR and the UV. In recent years, MIR tracers of star formation activity of galaxies have been explored but their quantitative use is still under debate. Here, we propose to obtain Spitzer-IRS SL-LL observations of a sample of well-characterized HII regions in two galaxies, M33 and M83. These HII regions span a wide range in galactocentric radii and hence metallicity. These metallicities have been determined through an earlier, unrelated investigation (PID 3412 & 20057; PI Rubin). The proposed observations are complementary to existing auxiliary data and are in fact the missing link for a panchromatic view of individual extragalactic HII regions. This proposal will provide, for the first time, a quantitative estimate of the effects on the MIR characteristics of extagalactic HII regions of parameters such as the metallicity, the hardness of the stellar radiation field (NeIII/NeII and/or SIV/SIII ratios), density (NeIII and/or SIII line ratios), stellar luminosity (radio, H alpha) can be systematically investigated. Hence, the proposed observations form the basis for a systematic study of PAH and dust properties, their dependency on the physical conditions of the environment and their usefulness as a quantitative tracer for star formation. As a result, this study will influence the interpretation of star forming regions on small and large scales and distances out to the era of vigorous star formation activity.
Allamandola Louis
Bernard-Salas Jeronimo
Peeters Els
Tielens Alexander
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