Exploring Starburst Clumps and their Constituent Star Clusters
J. S. Gallagher¹, L. J. Smith^2
1University of Wisconsin-Madison ² University College London
Star formation in nearby starbursts often involves the production of associations of compact star clusters embedded within clouds of massive stars. The resulting systems appear as high surface brightness starburst clumps, which can drive galactic winds and photoionize their surroundings. Theoretical models of instabilities in gas-rich galactic disks and observations of distant galaxies indicate that this mode of star formation was important in the youthful universe. OIR telescopes with apertures in the 30-100-m class equipped with adaptive optics will open new frontiers in starburst research through their ability to measure physical characteristics of star clusters within nearby starbursts and to study the stellar populations and feedback effects from starburst clumps at high redshifts. This talk will consider how such capabilities could be utilized to chart the evolution of intensely star forming galaxies through measurements of ages, abundances, and processing rates of the ISM.

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On 20 Oct 2005, 15:32.