A multi-wavelength study of the dwarf galaxies NGC 2915 and NGC 1705 : star formation, gas dynamics and dark matter

This thesis presents the results of a detailed multi-wavelength study of the nearby blue compact dwarf galaxies NGC 2915 and NGC 1705. The primary data set (nearly 100 hours of on-source data) for each galaxy consists of new observations of the neutral hydrogen (Hi) line obtained with the Australia Telescope Compact Array, October 2006 - May 2007. The stellar disk of NGC 1705 is host to an intense star-bursting core which is rapidly depleting the galaxy's central Hi reservoir. This galaxy can be used to rigorously test theories of star formation. Detailed studies of the distribution and kinematics of the neutral inter- stellar medium (ISM) within each galaxy are carried out. A suite of star formation recipes and models are examined for each galaxy to quantify the relationship between the observed star formation activity and the distribution and kinematics of the ISM.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Astronomy

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Elson, E C

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/10489

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/10489