Program: GN-2006A-Q-38

Title:The Starburst History of M82
PI:Linda Smith
Co-I(s): Nate Bastian, Mark Westmoquette, Iraklis Konstantopoulos, Jay Gallagher, Gelys Trancho

Abstract

M82 is host to a major nuclear starburst which drives a prominent galactic wind. We propose to chart the starburst history of this galaxy since its last encounter with M81 by utilising the versatile spectroscopic capabilities of Gemini/GMOS. Specifically, we will measure (i) the ages of massive star clusters throughout the disk which are sensitive indicators of intense episodes of star formation via MOS spectroscopy, and (ii) the dynamics and structure of the wind outflows in the current burst via IFU spectroscopy to establish the effect of the current starburst on the evolution of the galaxy.

Publications using this program's data