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D. A. Smith (STScI/CSC), D. Calzetti, J. Harris (STScI), J.S. Gallagher, III (Univ. of Wisconsin), C.J. Conselice (Caltech)
We are assessing the star formation histories of several nearby starburst systems to obtain a deeper understanding of the spatial and temporal evolution of the starburst phenomenon, and the environmental factors that may play a role in determining the fate of these systems. The sample spans a range of masses, metallicities, and environments, including metal-rich (Z ~2 Z\odot) spirals such as M83 and NGC2903. High-resolution HST imagery of the nuclear starburst of M83 was discussed by Harris et al (2001). The present study focuses on NGC2903.
NGC2903 is a nearby hotspot spiral galaxy with an infrared luminosity somewhat lower than the prototypical starburst galaxy M82. We have retrieved archival HST and NICMOS images to determine a cluster-based star formation history for the nuclear region of NGC2903. We discuss the ages and masses of the nuclear clusters, and their implications regarding star formation processes in this galaxy and other starburst systems.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 34, #4
© 2002. The American Astronomical Soceity.