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Title: Massive stars in galaxies

Journal Article · · Publ. Astron. Soc. Pac.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/131948· OSTI ID:6323511

The relationship between the morphologic type of a galaxy and the evolution of its massive stars is explored, reviewing observational results for nearby galaxies. The data are presented in diagrams, and it is found that the massive-star populations of most Sc spiral galaxies and irregular galaxies are similar, while those of Sb spirals such as M 31 and M 81 may be affected by morphology (via differences in the initial mass function or star-formation rate). Consideration is also given to the stability-related upper luminosity limit in the H-R diagram of hypergiant stars (attributed to radiation pressure in hot stars and turbulence in cool stars) and the goals of future observation campaigns. 88 references.

Research Organization:
Minnesota Univ., Minneapolis
OSTI ID:
6323511
Journal Information:
Publ. Astron. Soc. Pac.; (United States), Vol. 99
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English