Previous | Session 42 | Next
S. Salim (UCLA), S. Charlot (MPA), R. M. Rich (UCLA), G. Kauffmann (MPA), T. M. Heckman (JHU), GALEX Science Team
By combining the two-band photometry from GALEX with the five-band SDSS photometry, we impose important constraints on the stellar mass, star-formation rates, dust attenuation, and the present to past-average SF of the galaxies in the local universe (z<0.25). These results are obtained by comparing the observed fluxes of ~104 galaxies with the library of model colors of galaxies that have experienced a wide range of star formation histories. Notably, our results rival those obtained with the aid of optical spectra, especially due to the addition of GALEX photometry. We find that most late-type galaxies have been forming stars at a constant rate throughout their lifetimes. Also, the ratio of present to past-average SF is tightly correlated with the UV/optical color, making it a useful proxy. Finally, we find that the fraction of galaxies that have experienced recent bursts of star formation declines sharply with the galaxy's mass.
Previous | Session 42 | Next
Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 36 5
© 2004. The American Astronomical Society.