Demographics of Nearby Star-Forming Galaxies
Abstract
We propose to obtain deep FUV and NUV images for a complete distance-limited (11 Mpc) sample of nearby galaxies for which we have deep halpha\ and R images. We will use the combined UV and halpha\ data to quantify the characteristic strengths and durations of starbursts in dwarf galaxies (M_B ≥ -17), measure the fraction of stars in these galaxies that form in bursts, and study the spatial propagation of the star formation in these systems. The combination of UV and halpha\ images will yield powerful constraints on systematic errors in the respective star formation rates and histories, and a ``training set'' for cosmological lookback studies which covers the full range of galaxy masses and star formation rates found locally. The project will provide a unique set of deep,spatially-resolved ultraviolet observations of dwarf galaxies, which currently are under-represented in the GALEX observing program. When our proposed observations of 123 galaxies (in 112 fields) are combined with planned GALEX PI team observations of 105 other galaxies in this volume (mostly more luminous spirals), the combined dataset will be a well-defined and fully representative sample of spiral and irregular galaxies within 11 Mpc (and observable by GALEX), a true Legacy for the GALEX mission. In support of this Legacy project we will create a web-based public archive including the processed UV, halpha, and broadband images and a flux catalog.
- Publication:
-
GALEX Proposal
- Pub Date:
- 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004galx.prop...47K