ISSN:
1572-946X
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
Abstract We simulate the occurrence of star formation bursts, during the past 3×109 yr, superimposed on old populations, by combining visible and near-infrared integrated spectra of star clusters with those of red galaxy nuclei. We track the resultant spectral evolution of the composite object for burst to old population mass ratios of 10, 1, and 0.1%. If a star formation burst uses 10% of the galaxy mass, the underlying old population will be undetectable, at least by means of integrated spectra, during 5×107 yr. At intermediate ages, ∼2×109 yr, the burst will still contribute around 20% of the total optical flux. For a 1% mass, the burst becomes barely visible at intermediate ages; and, finally, for an 0.1% mass, the burst will affect the galaxy spectrum during 2×107 yr only.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00637316
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