The age distributions of clusters and field stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud — implications for star formation histories
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Publication date
2008
Authors
Kruijssen, J.M.D.
Lamers, H.J.G.L.M.
Editors
de Koter, A.
Funes, J.G.
Smith, L.J.
Corsini, E.M.
Waters, L.B.F.M.
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Document Type
Part of book
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Abstract
Differences between the inferred star formation histories (SFHs) of star clusters and field stars seem to suggest distinct star formation processes for the two. The Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) is an example of a galaxy where such a discrepancy is observed. We model the observed age distributions of the SMC clusters and field stars using a new population synthesis code, SPACE, that includes stellar evolution, infant mortality and cluster dissolution. We find that the two observed age distributions can be explained by a single SFH, thus eliminating the need to assume two separate mechanisms for star formation.
Keywords
SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Citation
Kruijssen, J M D & Lamers, H J G L M 2008, The age distributions of clusters and field stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud — implications for star formation histories. in A de Koter, J G Funes, L J Smith, E M Corsini & L B F M Waters (eds), Formation and evolution of galaxy disks : proceedings of a conference organized by the Vatican Observatory held at the Centro Convegni Matteo Ricci in Rome, Italy, 1-5 October 2007. Astronomical Society of the Pacific conference series, no. 396, Astronomical Society of the Pacific, San Francisco, pp. 149-150.