Star Formation in the Field and Clusters of NGC 5253

Other

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Scientific paper

Previous high resolution ultraviolet spectra of starburst galaxies have focused principally on the UV-bright star forming clusters. However, in many nearby starburst galaxies, the young clusters contribute a relatively modest portion of the UV light ( 10 - 50%). Since the rest frame UV spectra of high redshift star-forming galaxies are perforce spatially integrated, it is important to understand the contribution that both the field and clusters make. To this end, we have obtained a STIS longslit ultraviolet spectrum of the nearby starburst galaxy NGC 5253. The spectrum samples a physical area of 450 pc and includes 4 bright clusters (3 of which have been studied at other wavelengths), 4 fainter clusters, and a region apparently devoid of clusters which we take to be the field. The spectra have approximately 2 Angstroms resolution and include the stellar wind lines of NV, SiIV, and CIV, as well as a host of interstellar features. A comparison of the field and cluster spectra shows that the line strengths and shapes of both the stellar and interstellar features differ significantly. We use stellar evolutionary synthesis models to obtain ages for the clusters, and to investigate the plausibility of a non-Salpeter IMF in the field population. We suggest that the substantial differences of the UV cluster and field spectra result from the field having a different IMF or a different star-formation history than the clusters.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Star Formation in the Field and Clusters of NGC 5253 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Star Formation in the Field and Clusters of NGC 5253, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Star Formation in the Field and Clusters of NGC 5253 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1735930

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.