[Previous] | [Session 49] | [Next]
J. Harris, D. Calzetti (STScI), J. S. Gallagher, III (Univ. of Wisconsin), D. A. Smith (STScI), C. J. Conselice (Caltech)
We are undertaking a comprehensive study of the recent star-formation histories of nearby starburst galaxies, using both broad- and narrow-band HST/WFPC2 imaging. Our goal is to understand the physical processes which drive galaxy evolution, with a particular focus on the starburst phenomenon, and on the role that environment plays in determining a galaxy's star formation history.
For this purpose, we have selected a sample of four nearby galaxies which are host to very similar nuclear starbursts, despite a wide range in their mass, metallicity, and environment. Our multiwavelength HST observations of each galaxy allow us to: (1) use their cluster populations as tracers of the recent star-formation history; (2) map the distribution of dust; and (3) study the energetic star formation feedback by examining the shocked and photoionized gas in these systems. By studying nearby systems in detail, we hope to provide a foundation with which more distant, unresolved star forming galaxies can be understood.
Our cluster-based star-formation histories have already been published for NGC~5253 and M~83; in this paper, we present preliminary results of our analysis of the clusters in the remaining galaxies (NGC~3077 and NGC~4214). In addition, we compare the star-formation histories of all four galaxies, and examine trends with mass, metallicity and environment.
The author(s) of this abstract have provided an email address for comments about the abstract: jharris@stsci.edu