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P. M. Knezek (WIYN), J. A. Claver, B. J. Pritzl (NOAO)
We present HST V&I photometry of UGC 2302, the closest known massive, low surface brightness (LSB) galaxy. Large LSBs represent an extreme star formation environment, both locally within their disks, and on a larger scale, often residing in underdense regions of the universe. Resolving the underlying stellar component of such a galaxy provides critical information on how stars form and evolve in low metallicity, yet gas-rich environments. UGC 2302 is a typical large LSB galaxy, and thus represents a good choice for detailed stellar population studies. In UGC 2302, we see massive stars on the main sequence, and we have resolved the tip of the red giant branch (TRGB). This indicates the presence of both old and young stellar populations. We will look at possible spatial variations of the stellar population within the galaxy, and discuss the implications of the resolved stellar population on our understanding of the star formation histories of LSBs.
This research was supported in part by NASA through grant number GO-08255.02 from the Space Telescope Science Institute.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 34, #4
© 2002. The American Astronomical Soceity.