Dwarf Galaxies and Their Formation: A Study in the Compact Group Environment

AST 95-29242简查尔顿 矮星系及其形成：在致密群环境中的研究。 了解矮星系在不同环境中的数量和性质是设计星系形成总体方案的基本要素。 矮星的光度函数是由初始密度涨落光谱与演化过程的合成决定的，演化过程产生或摧毁现有的星系。 该观测计划的目标是发现矮星系的形成机制，并探索一般星系形成的后果。 特别是，该计划有以下三个目标：（1）提供致密星系群中最完整的光度函数测定，并将其推广到矮星系群的范围：（2）研究致密星系群中相互作用巨星的潮汐碎片中星星形成和矮星系形成的物理学;（3）确定潮汐矮星在星系形成中的重要性。

AST 95-29242 Jane Charlton Dwarf Galaxies and Their Formation: A Study in the Compact Group Environment. Knowledge of the numbers and properties of dwarf galaxies in various environments is an essential element for devising the overall scenario for galaxy formation. The luminosity function of dwarfs is determined by a synthesis of the initial density fluctuation spectrum with evolutionary processes acting to create or destroy existing galaxies. The goal of this observational program is to discover the formation mechanism for dwarf galaxies and to explore the consequences for galaxy formation in general. In particular this program has the following three objectives: (1) To provide the most complete determination of the luminosity function in compact groups, extending well into the regime of the dwarf population; (2) To study the physics of star formation and dwarf galaxy formation in the tidal debris of interacting giants in compact groups; and (3) To determine the overall importance of tidal dwarfs for galaxy formation.