Recent Episodes Of Star Formation Research Articles

Not-so-little Red Dots: Two Massive and Dusty Starbursts at z ∼ 5–7 Pushing the Limits of Star Formation Discovered by JWST in the COSMOS-Web Survey

We present the properties of two candidate massive (M ⋆ ∼ 1011 M ⊙) and dusty (A v > 2.5 mag) galaxies at z = 5–7 in the first 0.28 deg2 of the COSMOS-Web survey. One object is spectroscopically confirmed at z spec = 5.051, while the other has a robust z phot = 6.7 ± 0.3. Thanks to their extremely red colors (F277W–F444W ∼ 1.7 mag), these galaxies satisfy the nominal color selection for the widely studied “little red dot” (LRD) population with the exception of their spatially resolved morphologies. The morphology of our targets allows us to conclude that their red continuum is dominated by highly obscured stellar emission and not by reddened nuclear activity. Using a variety of spectral energy distribution fitting tools and star formation histories, we estimate the stellar masses to be log(M⋆)=11.32−0.15+0.07M⊙ and log(M⋆)=11.2−0.2+0.1M⊙ , respectively, with a red continuum emission dominated by a recent episode of star formation. We then compare their number density to the halo mass function to infer stellar baryon fractions of ϵ ⋆ ∼ 0.25 and ϵ ⋆ ∼ 0.5. Both are significantly higher than what is commonly observed in lower-z galaxies or more dust-obscured galaxies at similar redshifts. With very bright ultra-high-z Lyman-Break Galaxies and some non-AGN-dominated LRDs, such “extended” LRDs represent another population that may require very efficient star formation at early times.

Main Sequence to Starburst Transitioning Galaxies: Gamma-Ray Burst Hosts at z ∼ 2

Star-forming galaxies populate a main sequence (MS), a well-defined relation between stellar mass (M *) and star formation rate (SFR). Starburst (SB) galaxies lie significantly above the relation, whereas quenched galaxies lie below the sequence. In order to study the evolution of galaxies on the SFR–M * plane and its connection to the gas content, we use the fact that recent episodes of star formation can be pinpointed by the existence of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). Here we present sensitive [C i] nondetections of z ∼ 2 ultraluminous infrared (ULIRG) GRB host galaxies. We find that our GRB hosts have similar molecular masses to those of other ULIRGs. However, unlike other ULIRGs, the GRB hosts are located at the MS or only a factor of a few above it. Hence, our GRB hosts are caught in the transition toward the SB phase. This is further supported by the estimated depletion times, which are similar to those of other transitioning galaxies. The GRB hosts are [C i]-dark galaxies, defined as having a [C i]/CO temperature brightness ratio of <0.1. Such a low [C i]/CO ratio has been found in high-density environments (n H > 104 cm−3) where CO is shielded from photodissociation, leading to underabundances of [C i]. This is consistent with the merger process that is indeed suggested for our GRB hosts by their morphologies.

Unveiling the formation of NGC 2915 with MUSE: A counter-rotating stellar disk embedded in a disordered gaseous environment

NGC 2915 is a unique nearby galaxy that is classified as an isolated blue compact dwarf based on its optical appearance but has an extremely extended H I gas disk with prominent Sd-type spiral arms. To unveil the starburst-triggering mystery of NGC 2915, we performed a comprehensive analysis of deep VLT/MUSE integral field spectroscopic observations that cover the star-forming region in the central kiloparsec of the galaxy. We find that episodes of bursty star formation have recurred in different locations throughout the central region, and the most recent one peaked around 50 Myr ago. The bursty star formation has significantly disturbed the kinematics of the ionized gas but not the neutral atomic gas, which implies that the two gas phases are largely spatially decoupled along the line of sight. No evidence for an active galactic nucleus is found based on the classical line-ratio diagnostic diagrams. The ionized gas metallicities have a positive radial gradient, which confirms the previous study based on several individual H II regions and may be attributed to both the stellar feedback-driven outflows and metal-poor gas inflow. Evidence for metal-poor gas infall or inflow includes discoveries of high-speed collisions between gas clouds of different metallicities, localized gas metallicity drops and unusually small metallicity differences between gas and stars. The central stellar disk appears to be counter-rotating with respect to the extended H I disk, implying that the recent episodes of bursty star formation have been sustained by externally accreted gas.

The evolution of circumstellar discs in the galactic centre: an application to the G-clouds

ABSTRACT The Galactic Centre is known to have undergone a recent star formation episode a few Myr ago, which likely produced many T Tauri stars hosting circumstellar discs. It has been suggested that these discs may be the compact and dusty ionized sources identified as ‘G-clouds’. Given the Galactic Centre’s hostile environment, we study the possible evolutionary pathways these discs experience. We compute new external photoevaporation models applicable to discs in the Galactic Centre that account for the subsonic launching of the wind and absorption of UV photons by dust. Using evolutionary disc calculations, we find that photoevaporation’s rapid truncation of the disc causes them to accrete onto the central star rapidly. Ultimately, an accreting circumstellar disc has a lifetime ≲ 1 Myr, which would fail to live long enough to explain the G-clouds. However, we identify a new evolutionary pathway for circumstellar discs in the Galactic Centre. Removal of disc material by photoevaporation prevents the young star from spinning down due to magnetic braking, ultimately causing the rapidly spinning young star to torque the disc into a ‘decretion disc’ state which prevents accretion. At the same time, any planetary companion in the disc will trap dust outside its orbit, shutting down photoevaporation. The disc can survive for up to ∼10 Myr in this state. Encounters with other stars are likely to remove the planet on Myr time-scales, causing photoevaporation to restart, giving rise to a G-cloud signature. A giant planet fraction of $\sim 10{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ can explain the number of observed G-clouds.

The miniJPAS survey

The Javalambre-Physics of the Accelerating Universe Astrophysical Survey (J-PAS) is a photometric survey that is poised to scan several thousands of square degrees of the sky. It will use 54 narrow-band filters, combining the benefits of low-resolution spectra and photometry. Its offshoot, miniJPAS, is a 1 deg2 survey that uses J-PAS filter system with the Pathfinder camera. In this work, we study mJPC2470-1771, the most massive cluster detected in miniJPAS. We survey the stellar population properties of the members, their star formation rates (SFR), star formation histories (SFH), the emission line galaxy (ELG) population, spatial distribution of these properties, and the ensuing effects of the environment. This work shows the power of J-PAS to study the role of environment in galaxy evolution. We used a spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting code to derive the stellar population properties of the galaxy members: stellar mass, extinction, metallicity, (u − r)res and (u − r)int colours, mass-weighted age, the SFH that is parametrised by a delayed-τ model (τ, t0), and SFRs. We used artificial neural networks for the identification of the ELG population via the detection of the Hα, [NII], Hβ, and [OIII] nebular emission. We used the Ew(Hα)-[NII] (WHAN) and [OIII]/Hα-[NII]/Hα (BPT) diagrams to separate them into individual star-forming galaxies and AGNs. We find that the fraction of red galaxies increases with the cluster-centric radius; and at 0.5R200 the red and blue fractions are both equal. The redder, more metallic, and more massive galaxies tend to be inside the central part of the cluster, whereas blue, less metallic, and less massive galaxies are mainly located outside of the inner 0.5R200. We selected 49 ELG, with 65.3% of them likely to be star-forming galaxies, dominated by blue galaxies, and 24% likely to have an AGN (Seyfert or LINER galaxies). The rest are difficult to classify and are most likely composite galaxies. These latter galaxies are red, and their abundance decreases with the cluster-centric radius; in contrast, the fraction of star-forming galaxies increases outwards up to R200. Our results are compatible with an scenario in which galaxy members were formed roughly at the same epoch, but blue galaxies have had more recent star formation episodes, and they are quenching out from within the cluster centre. The spatial distribution of red galaxies and their properties suggest that they were quenched prior to the cluster accretion or an earlier cluster accretion epoch. AGN feedback or mass might also stand as an obstacle in the quenching of these galaxies.

The globular clusters and star formation history of the isolated, quiescent ultra-diffuse galaxy DGSAT I

ABSTRACT We investigate the isolated, quiescent ultra-diffuse galaxy (UDG) DGSAT I and its globular cluster (GC) system using two orbits of Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys imaging in the F606W and F814W filters. This is the first study of GCs around a UDG in a low-density environment. DGSAT I was previously found to host an irregular blue low surface brightness clump, which we confirm as very likely belonging to the galaxy rather than being a chance projection, and represents a recent episode of star formation (∼500 Myr) that challenges some UDG formation scenarios. We select GC candidates based on colours and magnitudes, and construct a self-consistent model of the GC radial surface density profile along with the background. We find a half-number radius of RGC = 2.7 ± 0.1 kpc (more compact than the diffuse starlight) and a total of 12 ± 2 GCs. The total mass fraction in GCs is relatively high, supporting an overmassive dark matter halo as also implied by the high velocity dispersion previously measured. The GCs extend to higher luminosities than expected, and have colours that are unusually similar to their host galaxy colour, with a very narrow spread, all of which suggest an early, intense burst of cluster formation. The nature and origin of this galaxy remain puzzling, but the most likely scenario is a ‘failed galaxy’ that formed relatively few stars for its halo mass, and could be related to cluster UDGs whose size and quiescence pre-date their infall.

On the accretion of a new group of galaxies on to Virgo – II. The effect of pre-processing on the stellar population content of dEs

ABSTRACT Using MUSE spectra, we investigate how pre-processing and accretion on to a galaxy cluster affect the integrated stellar population properties of dwarf early-type galaxies (dEs). We analyse a sample of nine dEs with stellar masses of $\rm \sim 10^9 \, M_\odot$, which were accreted (∼ 2–3 Gyr ago) on to the Virgo cluster as members of a massive galaxy group. We derive their stellar population properties, namely age, metallicity ([M/H]), and the abundance ratio of α elements ([α/Fe]), by fitting observed spectral indices with a robust, iterative procedure, and infer their star formation history (SFH) by means of full spectral fitting. We find that these nine dEs are more metal-poor (at the 2–3σ level) and significantly more α-enhanced than dEs in the Virgo and Coma clusters with similar stellar mass, clustercentric distance, and infall time. Moreover, for six dEs, we find evidence for a recent episode of star formation during or right after the time of accretion on to Virgo. We interpret the high [α/Fe] of our sample of dEs as the result of the previous exposure of these galaxies to an environment hostile to star formation, and/or the putative short burst of star formation they underwent after infall into Virgo. Our results suggest that the stellar population properties of low-mass galaxies may be the result of the combined effect of pre-processing in galaxy groups and environmental processes (such as ram-pressure triggering star formation) acting during the early phases of accretion on to a cluster.

Ultraviolet to far infrared self-consistent analysis of the stellar populations of massive starburst galaxies at intermediate redshifts

ABSTRACT We study in detail the properties of the stellar populations of 111 massive [log (M⋆/M⊙) ≥ 10] dusty [far-infrared (FIR)-selected] starburst (SFR/SFRMS &amp;gt; 2) galaxies at 0.7 &amp;lt; z &amp;lt; 1.2. For that purpose, we use self-consistent methods that analyse the UV-to-FIR broad-band observations in terms of the stellar light and dust re-emission with energy-balance techniques. We find that the emission of our starburst galaxies can be interpreted as a recent star formation episode superimposed on a more evolved stellar population. On average, the burst age is ∼80 Myr and its attenuation ∼2.4 mag. Assuming our starburst galaxies at half their lifetimes, we infer a duration of the starburst phase of ∼160 Myr. The median stellar mass and star formation rate (SFR) are log (M⋆/M⊙) ∼ 10.6 and ∼220 M⊙yr−1. Assuming this SFR and the inferred duration of the starburst phase, the stellar mass added during this phase corresponds to ∼40 per cent the median stellar mass of our sample. The young-population age determines the position of our galaxies in the M⋆–SFR plane. Galaxies located at the largest distances of the MS present shorter young-population ages. The properties of the underlying stellar population cannot be constrained accurately with our broad-band data. We also discuss the impact of including the FIR data and energy-balance techniques in the analysis of the properties of the stellar populations in starburst galaxies.

Stellar populations in local AGNs: evidence for enhanced star formation in the inner 100 pc

ABSTRACT In modern models and simulations of galactic evolution, the star formation in massive galaxies is regulated by an ad hoc active galactic nuclei (AGN) feedback process. However, the physics and the extension of such effects on the star formation history of galaxies is matter of vivid debate. In order to shed some light in the AGN effects over the star formation, we analysed the inner 500 × 500 pc of a sample of 14 Seyfert galaxies using GMOS and MUSE integral field spectroscopy. We fitted the continuum spectra in order to derive stellar age, metallicity, velocity, and velocity dispersion maps in each source. After stacking our sample and averaging their properties, we found that the contribution of young SP, as well as that of AGN featureless continuum both peak at the nucleus. The fraction of intermediate-age SPs is smaller in the nucleus if compared to outer regions, and the contribution of old SPs vary very little within our field of view (FoV). We also found no variation of velocity dispersion or metallicity within our FoV. Lastly, we detected an increase in the dust reddening towards the center of the galaxies. These results lead us to conclude that AGN phenomenon is usually related to a recent star formation episode in the circumnuclear region.

Recovering the origins of the lenticular galaxy NGC 3115 using multiband imaging

ABSTRACT A detailed study of the morphology of lenticular galaxies is an important way to understand how this type of galaxy is formed and evolves over time. Decomposing a galaxy into its components (disc, bulge, bar, ...) allows recovering the colour gradients present in each system, its star formation history, and its assembly history. We use galfitm to perform a multiwavelength structural decomposition of the closest lenticular galaxy, NGC 3115, resulting in the description of its stellar light into several main components: a bulge, a thin disc, a thick disc, and also evidence of a bar. We report the finding of central bluer stellar populations in the bulge, as compared to the colour of the galaxy outskirts, indicating either the presence of an active galactic nucleus (AGN) and/or recent star formation activity. From the spectral energy distribution results, we show that the galaxy has a low luminosity AGN component, but even excluding the effect of the nuclear activity, the bulge is still bluer than the outer-regions of the galaxy, revealing a recent episode of star formation. Based on all of the derived properties, we propose a scenario for the formation of NGC 3115 consisting of an initial gas-rich merger, followed by accretions and feedback that quench the galaxy, until a recent encounter with the companion KK084 that reignited the star formation in the bulge, provoked a core displacement in NGC 3115 and generated spiral-like features. This result is consistent with the two-phase formation scenario, proposed in previous studies of this galaxy.

The KLEVER Survey: spatially resolved metallicity maps and gradients in a sample of 1.2 &amp;lt; z &amp;lt; 2.5 lensed galaxies

ABSTRACT We present near-infrared observations of 42 gravitationally lensed galaxies obtained in the framework of the KMOS Lensed Emission Lines and VElocity Review (KLEVER) Survey, a programme aimed at investigating the spatially resolved properties of the ionized gas in 1.2 &amp;lt; z &amp;lt; 2.5 galaxies by means of a full coverage of the YJ, H, and K near-infrared bands. Detailed metallicity maps and gradients are derived for a subsample of 28 galaxies from reconstructed source-plane emission-line maps, exploiting the variety of different emission-line diagnostics provided by the broad wavelength coverage of the survey. About $85 {{\, per\ cent}}$ of these galaxies are characterized by metallicity gradients shallower than $0.05\ \rm dex\, kpc^{-1}$ and $89{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ are consistent with a flat slope within 3σ ($67{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ within 1σ), suggesting a mild evolution with cosmic time. In the context of cosmological simulations and chemical evolution models, the presence of efficient feedback mechanisms and/or extended star formation profiles on top of the classical ‘inside-out’ scenario of mass assembly is generally required to reproduce the observed flatness of the metallicity gradients beyond z ∼ 1. Three galaxies with significantly (&amp;gt;3σ) ‘inverted’ gradients are also found, showing an anticorrelation between metallicity and star formation rate density on local scales, possibly suggesting recent episodes of pristine gas accretion or strong radial flows in place. Nevertheless, the individual metallicity maps are characterized by a variety of different morphologies, with flat radial gradients sometimes hiding non-axisymmetric variations on kpc scales, which are washed out by azimuthal averages, especially in interacting systems or in those undergoing local episodes of recent star formation.

Sub one per cent mass fractions of young stars in red massive galaxies

Early-type galaxies are considered to be the end products of massive galaxy formation1. Optical spectroscopic studies reveal that massive early-type galaxies formed the bulk of their stars over short timescales ($$\lesssim$$1 Gyr) and at high redshift (z $$\gtrsim$$ 2), followed by passive evolution to the present2. However, their optical spectra are unable to constrain small episodes of recent star formation, since they are dominated by old stars. Fortunately, this problem can be tackled in the ultraviolet range. While recent studies that make use of ultraviolet absorption lines have suggested the presence of young stars in a few early-type galaxies3, the age and mass fractions of young stars and their dependence on galaxy mass are unknown. Here we report a detailed study of these young stellar populations, from high-quality stacked spectra of 28,663 galaxies from the BOSS survey4, analysing optical and ultraviolet absorption lines simultaneously. We find that residual star formation is ubiquitous in massive early-type galaxies, measuring average mass fractions of 0.5% in young stars in the last 2 Gyr of their evolution. This fraction shows a decreasing trend with galaxy stellar mass, consistent with a downsizing scenario5. We also find that synthetic galaxies from state-of-the-art cosmological numerical simulations6 substantially overproduce both intermediate and young stellar populations. Therefore, our results pose stringent constraints on numerical simulations of galaxy formation6,7. A detailed study of young stellar populations from high-quality stacked spectra of 28,663 massive early-type galaxies reveals ubiquitous residual star formation, measuring average mass fractions of 0.5% in young stars in the last 2 Gyr of their evolution.

Dynamical modelling of brightest cluster galaxies: Constraints on the IMF

AbstractWe study the stellar and dynamical masses, as well as the stellar populations, of brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs) located in 32 massive clusters, and for a sub-sample of these use the results to place constraints on the Initial Mass Function (IMF). We measure the spatially-resolved stellar population properties of the BCGs, such as recent star formation episodes, and use it to predict their stellar mass-to-light ratios (ϒ*POP). We find that ∼60 per cent of the BCGs have constant ϒ*POP over the radial range (&lt;15 kpc). We also use the stellar and dynamical mass profiles to derive the stellar mass-to-light ratio from dynamics (ϒ*DYN, see Loubser, these proceedings). We directly compare ϒ*POP with ϒ*DYN, and find that for most BCGs, a Salpeter IMF is needed to explain their properties, but we also find a small subset of BCGs for which a Kroupa-like IMF is needed to explain their properties.

The First Metallicity Study of M83 Using the Integrated UV Light of Star Clusters*

Abstract Stellar populations are powerful tools for investigating the evolution of extragalactic environments. We present the first UV integrated-light spectroscopic observations for 15 young star clusters in the starburst M83 with a special focus on metallicity measurements. The data were obtained with the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph on board the Hubble Space Telescope. We analyze the data by applying an abundance technique that has previously been used to study an optical set of star clusters. We estimate a central metallicity of [Z] = +0.20 ± 0.15 dex, in agreement with estimates obtained through independent methods, i.e., J band and blue supergiants. We estimate a UV metallicity gradient of −0.041 ± 0.022 dex kpc−1, which is consistent with the optical metallicity gradient of −0.040 ± 0.032 dex kpc−1 for . Combining our stellar metallicities, UV and optical, with those from H ii regions (strong-line abundances based on empirical calibrations), we identify two possible breaks in the gradient of M83 at galactocentric distances of R ∼ 0.5 and 1.0 R 25. If the abundance breaks are genuine, the metallicity gradient of this galaxy follows a steep-shallow-steep trend, a scenario predicted by three-dimensional numerical simulations of disk galaxies. The first break is located near the corotation radius. This first steep gradient may have originated in recent star formation episodes and a relatively young bar (&lt;1 Gyr). In the numerical simulations, the shallow gradient is created by the effects of dilution by outflow, where low-metallicity material is mixed with enriched gas. Finally, the second break and last steep gradient mark the farthest galactocentric distances where the outward flow has penetrated.

The population of planetary nebulae near the Galactic Centre: chemical abundances

Planetary nebulae (PNe) constitute an important tool to study the chemical evolution of the Milky Way and other galaxies, probing the nucleosynthesis processes, abundance gradients and the chemical enrichment of the interstellar medium. In particular, Galactic bulge PNe (GBPNe) have been extensively used in the literature to study the chemical properties of this Galactic structure. However, the presently available GBPNe chemical composition studies are strongly biased, since they were focused on brighter objects, predominantly located in Galactic regions of low interstellar reddening. In this work, we report physical parameters and abundances derived for a sample of 17 high extinction PNe located in the inner 2\degr of the Galactic bulge, based on low dispersion spectroscopy secured at the SOAR telescope using the Goodman spectrograph. The new data allow us to extend our database including faint objects, providing chemical compositions for PNe located in this region of the bulge and an estimation for the masses of their progenitors to explore the chemical enrichment history of the central region of the Galactic bulge. The results show that there is an enhancement in the N/O abundance ratio in the Galactic centre PNe compared with PNe located in the outer regions of the Galactic bulge. This may indicate recent episodes of star formation occurring near the Galactic centre.

Low-redshift quasars in the SDSS Stripe 82: associated companion galaxies and signature of star formation

We obtained optical spectroscopy of close (< 80 kpc) companion objects of a sample of 12 low redshift quasars (z < 0.3 ) selected from the SDSS Stripe82 area and that are in the subsample of 52 QSOs for which both multicolor host galaxies properties and galaxy environment was recently investigated in detail. We found that for 8 out of 12 sources the companion galaxy is associated to the QSO having a difference of radial velocity that is less than 400 km/s. Many of these associated companions exhibit [OII] $\lambda$3727 \AA~ emission lines suggestive of episodes of (recent) star formation possibly induced by past interactions. The SFR of the companion galaxies as derived from [OII] line luminosity is, however, modest, with a median value of 1.0 +-0.8 M_sun/yr, and the emission lines are barely consistent with expectation from gas ionization by the QSO. The role of the QSO for inducing star formation in close companion galaxies appears meager. For three objects we also detect the starlight spectrum of the QSO host galaxy which is characterized by absorption lines of old stellar population and [OII] emission line.

The physical properties ofSpitzer/IRS galaxies derived from their UV to 22μm spectral energy distribution

We provide the basic integrated physical properties of all the galaxies contained in the full CASSIS with available broad-band photometry from UV to 22 $\mu$m. We have collected photometric measurements in 14 wavelengths from available public surveys in order to study the SED of each galaxy in CASSIS, thus constructing a final sample of 1,146 galaxies in the redshift range 0<z<2.5. The SEDs are modelled with the CIGALE code which relies on the energy balance between the absorbed stellar and the dust emission while taking into account the possible contribution due to the presence of an AGN. We split the galaxies in three groups, a low-redshift, a mid-redshift and a high-redshift and find that the vast majority of the Spitzer/IRS galaxies are star-forming and lie on or above the star-forming MS of the corresponding redshift. Moreover, the emission of Spitzer/IRS galaxies with z<0.1 is mostly dominated by star-formation, galaxies in the mid-redshift bin are a mixture of star forming and AGN galaxies, while half of the galaxies with z<0.5 show moderate or high AGN activity. Additionally, using rest-frame NUV-r colour, S\'ersic indices, optical OIII and NII emission lines we explore the nature of these galaxies by investigating their structure as well as their star-formation and AGN activity. Using a colour magnitude diagram we confirm that 97% of the galaxies with redshift smaller than 0.5 have experienced a recent star-formation episode. For a sub-sample of galaxies with available structural information and redshift smaller than 0.3 we find that early-type galaxies are placed below the MS, while late-type galaxies are found on the MS as expected. Finally, for all the galaxies with z<0.5 and available optical spectral line measurements we find that galaxies with high AGN luminosity, as calculated by CIGALE, are most likely to be classified as composite or AGNs by optical spectral lines.

Hα imaging survey of Wolf–Rayet galaxies: morphologies and star formation rates

The Halpha and optical broadband images of 25 nearby Wolf-Rayet (WR) galaxies are presented. The WR galaxies are known to have the presence of a recent ($\le$10 Myr) and massive star formation episode. The photometric Halpha fluxes are estimated, and corrected for extinction and line contamination in the filter pass-bands. The star formation rates (SFRs) are estimated using Halpha images and from the archival data in the far-ultraviolet (FUV), far-infrared (FIR) and 1.4 GHz radio continuum wave-bands. A comparison of SFRs estimated from different wavebands is made after including similar data available in literature for other WR galaxies. The Halpha based SFRs are found to be tightly correlated with SFRs estimated from the FUV data. The correlations also exist with SFRs estimates based on the radio and FIR data. The WR galaxies also follow the radio-FIR correlation known for normal star forming galaxies, although it is seen here that majority of dwarf WR galaxies have radio deficiency. An analysis using ratio of non-thermal to thermal radio continuum and ratio of FUV to Halpha SFR indicates that WR galaxies have lesser non-thermal radio emission compared to normal galaxies, most likely due to lack of supernova from the very young star formation episode in the WR galaxies. The morphologies of 16 galaxies in our sample are highly suggestive of an ongoing tidal interaction or a past merger in these galaxies. This survey strengthens the conclusions obtained from previous similar studies indicating the importance of tidal interactions in triggering star-formation in WR galaxies.

The white dwarf population within 40 pc of the Sun

The white dwarf luminosity function is an important tool to understand the properties of the Solar neighborhood, like its star formation history, and its age. Here we present a population synthesis study of the white dwarf population within 40~pc from the Sun, and compare the results of this study with the properties of the observed sample. We use a state-of-the-art population synthesis code based on Monte Carlo techniques, that incorporates the most recent and reliable white dwarf cooling sequences, an accurate description of the Galactic neighborhood, and a realistic treatment of all the known observational biases and selection procedures. We find a good agreement between our theoretical models and the observed data. In particular, our simulations reproduce a previously unexplained feature of the bright branch of the white dwarf luminosity function, which we argue is due to a recent episode of star formation. We also derive the age of the Solar neighborhood employing the position of the observed cut-off of the white dwarf luminosity function, obtaining ~8.9+-0.2 Gyr. We conclude that a detailed description of the ensemble properties of the population of white dwarfs within 40pc of the Sun allows us to obtain interesting constraints on the history of the Solar neighborhood.

THE O- AND B-TYPE STELLAR POPULATION IN W3: BEYOND THE HIGH-DENSITY LAYER

We present the first results from our survey of the star-forming complex W3, combining VRI photometry with multiobject spectroscopy to identify and characterize the high-mass stellar population across the region. With 79 new spectral classifications, we bring the total number of spectroscopically-confirmed O- and B-type stars in W3 to 105. We find that the high-mass slope of the mass function in W3 is consistent with a Salpeter IMF, and that the extinction toward the region is best characterized by an Rv of approximately 3.6. B-type stars are found to be more widely dispersed across the W3 giant molecular cloud (GMC) than previously realized: they are not confined to the high-density layer (HDL) created by the expansion of the neighboring W4 HII region into the GMC. This broader B-type population suggests that star formation in W3 began spontaneously up to 8--10 Myr ago, although at a lower level than the more recent star formation episodes in the HDL. In addition, we describe a method of optimizing sky subtraction for fiber spectra in regions of strong and spatially-variable nebular emission.