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“Star Formation: the Pathfinder of Galaxy Evolution” Dr. Daniela Calzetti University of Massachusetts |
| A crucial ingredient in our quest to unravel the evolution of galaxies is obtaining accurate measurements of the star formation rates of galaxies as a function of cosmic time. This, combined with information on the gas content, allows us to understand the star formation laws, i.e., the link between the `fuel' and the `engines' that use it. I will review the current status of SFR determinations, comparing galactic with extragalactic ones, and examining the advantages and shortcomings of each. Availability of accurate SFR diagnostics can be used to trace the scaling laws of star formation in a range of environments within galaxies, and I will discuss and compare such determinations within disks and in the outskirts of galaxies. |