Collaborative Research: Chemical Evolution Beyond the Milky Way

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PROPOSAL NO: AST 0306884PI: Matthew ShetroneINSTITUTION: University of Texas, Austin In this collaborative project with Verne Smith of the University of Texas, El Paso (AST-0307534), Dr. Shetrone will study the chemical evolution in different galactic environments by determining the chemical composition of stars in a number of nearby galaxies. The PIs will obtain high-resolution, high signal-to-noise spectra of evolved stars in a sample of galaxies that includes dwarf spheroidals, irregulars, and spirals. Their detailed abundance analysis, using the latest model atmospheres and up-to-date atomic and molecular data and spectral analysis codes, will yield abundances of up to 25 elements. Because these elements are generated in stars of different types and lifetimes, the trends in relative abundances provide insight into the details of star formation and the timescales of chemical evolution in a variety of galactic environments. The work will have significant impact on the understanding of the chemical evolution of the universe. Both undergraduate and graduate students will be involved in the research. ***