HII Region Luminosity Functions of Spiral Galaxies

Computer Science

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We are proposing to expand our H(alpha) imaging survey of early- type(Sa-Sab) spirals to include later-type (Sb-Scd) spiral galaxies. The purpose of the survey is to investigate and elucidate changing perceptions concerning the nature and origin of the Hubble Sequence. We plan to use the 1.5 meter telescope to obtain H(alpha) images for a complete sample of bright, nearby, late-type (Sb-Scd) spiral galaxies of low inclination that are located in the southern hemisphere. The images will be used to derive HII region luminosity functions, diffuse fractions, H(alpha) equivalent widths, and H(alpha) luminosities. Preliminary results from our H(alpha) imaging survey of early- type(Sa-Sab) spirals have revealed them to be a heterogenous class of objects. Contrary to popular perception, our images have identified a significant fraction (15-20%) of Sa-Sab galaxies with massive star formation rates that rival the most prolifically star forming late-type spirals. Furthermore, the wide range of star formation activity apparent for early-type spirals is reflected in a correspondingly wide variety of HII region luminosity function shapes. We plan to expand our survey to include Sb-Sbc and Sc-Scd galaxies. The survey, when combined with the images of early-type spirals that we have already obtained, will permit the largest systematic study ever of massive star formation in spiral galaxies. The images will yield the position and fluxes of tens of thousands of HII regions that will provide useful constraints on star formation models for spiral galaxies of widely different Hubble type.

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