The Evidence for Massive Star Formation in Early-Type Spiral Galaxies

Abstract

A recent analysis of the IRAS database indicates that the massive star formation rates in early-type (Sa-Sab) spirals are comparable to the massive star formation rates in late-type spirals. $H\alpha$ imaging of some of the infrared luminous early-type spirals reveals two types of galaxies. One type shows clear signs of interaction, whereas the other type appears to host a nuclear starburst. The occurence of nuclear starbursts in early-type spirals may be related to the propensity for such galaxies to also host Seyfert nuclei. The evidence for interactions suggests that early-type spirals are evolving in the current epoch.

arXiv comment4 pages including two postscript figures. Contribution to the Conference proceedings of the 7th Annual Astrophysics Conference in Maryland, STAR FORMATION, NEAR AND FAR, eds. Stephen S. Holt and Lee G. Mundy