STScI Preprint #1344
A new method to derive age differences between the various super star clusters observed in starburst galaxies using the two color diagram (B-H) vs. (H-K) is presented. This method offers a quick and easy way to differentiate very young and intermediate age stellar populations even if data on extinction are unavailable. In this case, discrimination of regions younger and older than 4 Myr is feasible. With the availability of data on extinction, the time resolution can be improved significantly. The application of the method to the starbursting system Arp 299 is presented. The validity of the method is confirmed by comparing the equivalent width of the H line with the chronological map of the northern part of NGC 3690.
1Space Telescope Science Institute, 3700 San Martin Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
2 Département de physique, Observatoire du mont Mégantic Université Laval Québec, QC G1K 7P4, Canada
3 Visiting astronomer, Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, which is operated by the National Research Council of Canada, the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique of France, and the University of Hawaii.