The Circumnuclear Starburst in M83

Ryder, Stuart D.; Sharp, Robert G.; Knapen, Johan H.; Mazzuca, Lisa M.; Parry, Ian R.
Bibliographical reference

THE EVOLUTION OF STARBURSTS: The 331st Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Seminar. AIP Conference Proceedings, Volume 783, pp. 155-160 (2005).

Advertised on:
8
2005
Number of authors
5
IAC number of authors
0
Citations
4
Refereed citations
4
Description
We present results from near-infrared integral-field spectroscopy of the circumnuclear starburst in M83, using the CIRPASS instrument on Gemini South. The combination of Paβ, CO (6,3), and [Fe II] equivalent width measurements over large contiguous regions allows us to track the spatial propagation of star formation across the ringlet, which is too heavily obscured to be properly analysed at optical wavelengths. We find the clearest evidence yet for an age gradient, with the youngest clusters found closest to where the dust lane crosses the ringlet. We discuss the implications for gas fueling by the bar.