The star-formation history in the vicinity of NGC 1866 in the large magellanic cloud

  • Benjamin W. Stappers
  • , Jeremy R. Mould
  • , Kim M. Sebo
  • , Jon A. Holtzman
  • , John S. Gallagher
  • , Alan M. Watson
  • , Gilda E. Ballester
  • , Christopher J. Burrows
  • , Stefano Casertano
  • , John T. Clarke
  • , David Crisp
  • , Richard E. Griffiths
  • , J. Jeff Hester
  • , John G. Hoessel
  • , Paul A. Scowen
  • , Karl R. Stapelfeldt
  • , John T. Trauger
  • , James A. Westphal

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

To expand on the recent single WFPC2 field obtained in the vicinity of this cluster, we have measured the luminosity function in a one-third by one-half degree field in the LMC with the 40-in. telescope at Siding Spring Observatory. Combining our results with recent 4-m and WFPC2 observations, we examine the constraints on the star-formation history of the field from 108 to 1010 years ago. The simple model derived from the WFPC2 data with an increase in the star-formation rate ∼3 Gyr ago fits the combined data. However, this rate increase seems to have been unique. This event notwithstanding, the smooth luminosity function from V = 16 to V = 22 suggests steady star formation rather than a star-formation history dominated by intense bursts.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)292-296
Number of pages5
JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific
Volume109
Issue number733
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1997
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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