Observational tests for the evolution of massive stars in nearby galaxies

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (65) References (88) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Observational Tests for the Evolution of Massive Stars in Nearby Galaxies Leitherer, Claus Abstract Population synthesis calculations applicable to the massive stellar content in nearby galaxies are presented. We combine stellar evolution calculations with mass loss, model atmospheres with line blanketing, and a spectral type calibration to compute observable parameters of massive stars as a function of the star formation rate and the initial mass function (IMF) slope. The number of O stars of given spectral types, the number of W-R stars, supernova rates, and fluxes of ionizing photons are predicted. Important constraints for the theories of stellar atmospheres and stellar evolution can be derived from observations if stellar number counts and ionizing flux data are available. The influence of mass loss on stellar evolution calculations is discussed, and our current knowledge of the post- main-sequence evolution of massive stars in external galaxies is evaluated. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series Pub Date: May 1990 DOI: 10.1086/191438 Bibcode: 1990ApJS...73....1L Keywords: Giant Stars; Star Distribution; Star Formation Rate; Stellar Evolution; Astronomical Models; Galaxies; Solar Neighborhood; Stellar Atmospheres; Supernovae; Wolf-Rayet Stars; Astrophysics; GALAXIES: STELLAR CONTENT; STARS: EVOLUTION; STARS: MASSIVE full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (3)