Stellar Populations, Feedback and the Evolution of Starbursts

AST-0708967加拉格尔博士威斯康星大学麦迪逊分校的约翰·加拉格尔将对附近星系的恒星爆发活动进行研究，利用WIYN(威斯康星-印第安纳-耶鲁-国家光学天文天文台)和SALT(南部非洲大望远镜)的望远镜进行光谱和成像观测。首先，他将研究恒星爆发中的年轻恒星系统、致密的大质量星团和恒星爆发团团之间的关系，以及星际介质的状态。其次，他将研究恒星爆发中的年轻恒星群体如何与银河系风和广泛的气体电离联系在一起。这些数据将与恒星群模型进行比较，从而能够研究这些极端天体内部的天体物理过程，这些过程很可能适用于红移为2或更高的快速恒星形成的年轻星系，目前大部分恒星质量可能就是在这些星系中产生的。研究活动涉及学生培训和国际合作。本科生将通过NSF-REU(本科生研究经验)计划获得这个项目的机会。该团队将继续参与非常受欢迎的“公园里的宇宙”项目，在该项目中，学生们将小型望远镜带到威斯康星州的州立公园，向公众开放天空。将与南非和其他国家开展交流项目。

AST-0708967GallagherDr. John Gallagher of the University of Wisconsin at Madison will carry out a study of starburst activities in nearby galaxies, making spectroscopic and imaging observations with telescopes of the WIYN (Wisconsin-Indiana-Yale-National Optical Astronomy Observatory) Observatory and with SALT (the Southern African Large Telescope). First, he will investigate the relationship between young stellar systems within starbursts, compact massive star clusters and starburst clumps, and the state of the interstellar medium. Second, he will study how young stellar populations in starbursts connect to galactic winds and widespread gas ionization. The data will be compared with models of stellar populations, enabling studies of astrophysical processes inside these extreme objects, which are likely to apply in rapidly star-forming young galaxies at redshifts of two and above, where the majority of the present day stellar mass was probably produced.The research activities involve student training and international collaboration. Undergraduates will gain access to this project through the NSF-REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) program. The team will continue its participation in the very popular "Universe in the Park" program, where students bring small telescopes to state parks in Wisconsin and open the skies to the public. Exchange programs will be carried out with South Africa and other countries.