Ultraviolet observations of NGC 205

• Published in: The Astrophysical journal Vol. 364; no. 1; pp. 87 - 93
• Main Authors: Wilcots, Eric M., Hodge, Paul, Eskridge, Paul B., Bertola, Francesco, Buson, Lucio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Legacy CDMS University of Chicago Press 20.11.1990
• Subjects: Astronomy; Astrophysics; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Normal galaxies. Extragalactic objects and systems (by type); Stellar systems. Galactic and extragalactic objects and systems. The universe; Model matching; Elliptical galaxies; Interstellar extinction; Dwarf galaxies; Stellar population; Energy distribution; Ultraviolet spectrum; Satellite observation; Extinction curve; Satellite galaxies; Spectroscopical observation
• DOI: 10.1086/169387
• ISSN: 0004-637X

Low-resolution IUE observations of the dwarf elliptical galaxy NGC 205 show that the UV spectral energy distribution of the galaxy is relatively flat. Spectra centered on the nucleus and on a region north of the nucleus show evidence of recent 'bursts' of star formation which contribute strongly to the UV spectral energy distribution. The UV spectra are fit with a composite spectrum based on a Miller-Scalo initial mass function, an underlying older population and an extinction based on a SMC-like extinction curve. This fit implies that the total mass of young stars in the galaxy is about 700,000 solar mass, which can be compared to the total mass of Population II stars in the galaxy of about 100 million solar mass.