Extragalactic Astronomy (Astronomy)

这项研究涉及研究IRAS卫星发现的高亮度星系的环境和性质。释放出大量能量的一个可能原因可能是该星系与另一个星系发生了相互作用或合并。如果这是正确的，人们预计会发现这些活跃的星系优先出现在星系团中，这些星系团的星系空间密度更大，碰撞的概率也更高。星系周围的环境将利用Palomar勘测板和利用Mt.柠檬望远镜。CCD图像本身将为研究目前存在的活动类型提供资源，这可能是由于恒星形成的巨大过剩，或者是由于活跃的核区域，或者可能是两者兼而有之。该项目进一步推动了VPW计划的目标，即：(1)为妇女提供机会，在NSF资助的工程和科学学科中发展她们的职业生涯；(2)通过提高受雇于工业、政府和学术机构的女科学家和工程师的知名度，鼓励妇女追求科学和工程事业。通过鼓励妇女参与科学，这是对国家未来科学活力的宝贵投资。

This research involves studying the environment and nature of the high luminosity galaxies discovered by the IRAS satellite. One possible cause for the large amounts of energy emitted may be that the galaxy has undergone an interaction or a merger with another galaxy. If this is correct one would expect to find that these active galaxies occur preferentially in galaxy clusters where the space density of galaxies is larger and the probability of collision higher. The surrounding environment of the galaxies will be studied using the Palomar survey plates and CCD images acquired with the Mt. Lemmon telescope. The CCD images themselves will provide a resource for study of the type of activity present, which may be due to a huge excess of star formation, or to an active nuclear region, or possibly to both. This project furthers VPW program objectives which are (1) to provide opportunities for women to advance their careers in engineering and in the disciplines of science supported by NSF and (2) to encourage women to pursue careers in science and engineering by providing greater visibility for women scientists and engineers employed in industry, government, and academic institutions. By encouraging the participation of women in science, it is a valuable investment in the Nation's future scientific vitality.