Hierarchical Star Formation Across Space and Time with Star Clusters from LEGUS

Wed 7 Feb, 2018 @3PM, level 7
Kathryn Grasha, PhD student
University of Massachusetts

Email: kgrasha[at]astro.umass.edu

Abstract

A key missing piece in a predictive theory of star formation is the link between scales of individual stars and star clusters up to the scales of entire galaxies. LEGUS, a HST Treasury program of 50 nearby galaxies imaged at UV and optical wavelengths, is now providing us the information to test the overall organization and spatial evolution of star formation. I will present my latest findings of using star clusters from LEGUS combined with millimeter observations to trace the hierarchy of the entire star-forming process to improve our understanding of the evolution of star formation, stellar populations, and the natal molecular gas in galaxies.