Stellar populations in galaxies.
Abstract
Observational data for developing models of stellar populations in galaxies are reviewed. The stellar populations of the Galaxy and M31 are described, and the Galaxy is classified as being intermediate between Sb and Sc. Radial variations in age and metallicity are noted for stars in the disks of the Galaxy and M31, observational constraints on models for the evolution of stellar populations in the Galaxy are outlined, and differences between the populations of the Galaxy and the Magellanic Clouds are described. Globular clusters in various galaxies are shown to differ in their metal abundances, the stellar populations in M31's dwarf companions are identified, and the peculiar properties of dwarf spheroidal galaxies are described. It is suggested that the evolution of supergiant elliptical galaxies may be characterized by bursts of star formation accompanying violent explosive events in their nuclei.
- Publication:
-
Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- 1975
- DOI:
- 10.1146/annurev.aa.13.090175.001245
- Bibcode:
- 1975ARA&A..13..217V
- Keywords:
-
- Galactic Evolution;
- Galactic Structure;
- Star Clusters;
- Star Distribution;
- Stellar Evolution;
- Andromeda Galaxy;
- Cepheid Variables;
- Dwarf Stars;
- Galactic Nuclei;
- Giant Stars;
- Globular Clusters;
- Magellanic Clouds;
- Nebulae;
- Novae;
- Stellar Spectra;
- Astrophysics