Abstract
We present high-resolution, near-infrared imaging of the circumnuclear region of the barred spiral galaxy M100 (NGC 4321), accompanied by near-infrared spectroscopy. We identify a total of 43 distinct regions in the K-band image, and determine magnitudes and colours for 41 of them. By comparison with other near-infrared maps we also derive colour excesses and K-band extinctions for the knots. Combining the imaging and spectroscopic results, we conclude that the knots are the result of bursts of star formation within the last 15-25 Myr. We discuss the implications of these new results for our dynamical and evolutionary understanding of this galaxy.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | L7-L12 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society |
Volume | 302 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 1999 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Galaxies: evolution
- Galaxies: individual: M100 (NGC 4321)
- Galaxies: kinematics and dynamics
- Galaxies: structure
- Infrared: galaxies