Abstract
Near-infrared (J H K) images of the nucleus of the barred spiral galaxy M100 (NGC 4321) have been obtained using a high-bandwidth tip-tilt secondary and fast guider system on the 3.8 m United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT). The resulting images, with a resolution of 0″.34 at K, reveal for the first time a host of compact 'knots', which appear to be the result of a recent burst (or bursts) of star formation. Confirmation of this comes from K-band spectroscopy of these knots with CGS4 on UKIRT, which shows Brγ emission and CO absorption features. A comparison with starburst evolutionary models suggests ages for these knots of between 17 and 27 Myr, and a stellar population dominated by late-type supergiants.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 405-412 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Astrophysics and Space Science |
Volume | 276 |
Issue number | 2-4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2001 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Star Formation
- Equivalent Width
- Stellar Population
- Luminosity Function
- Density Wave Spiral