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Title: Bursts of star formation in computer simulations of dwarf galaxies

Journal Article · · Astrophys. J.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/162387· OSTI ID:6151025

A three-dimensional Stochastic Self-Propagating Star Formation (SSPSF) model of compact galacies is presented. Two phases of gas, active and inactive, are present, and permanent depletion of gas in the form of long lived, low mass stars and remnants occurs. Similarly, global infall of gas from a galactic halo or through galactic cannibalism is permitted. We base our parameters on the observed properties of the compact blue galaxy I Zw 36. Our results are that bursts of star formation occur much more frequently in these runs than continuous nonbursting star formation, suggesting that the blue compact galaxies are probably undergoing bursts rather than continuous, nonbursting low-level star formation activity.

Research Organization:
University of Maine
OSTI ID:
6151025
Journal Information:
Astrophys. J.; (United States), Vol. 284:1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English