7985(  1) - 04/16/98 14:07  - [  1]

    PROPOSAL FOR HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE OBSERVATIONS   ST ScI Use Only
                                                       ID:      7985
                                                       Version: 1
                                                       Check-in Date: 16-Apr-1998
                                                                      14:04:58

1.Proposal Title:
STAR-FORMATION HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE: A BOTTOM-UP APPROACH
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2. Proposal For  3. Cycle
AR               7
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4. Investigators
                                                                                     Contact?
    PI: Sara R. Heap                      Goddard Space Flight Center
   CoI: Alex deKoter                      University of Amsterdam                       N
   CoI: John Hillier                      University of Pittsburgh                      N
   CoI: Ivan Hubeny                       NOAO/GSFC                                     N
   CoI: Wayne Landsman                    Raytheon STX/Goddard Space Flight Center      N
   CoI: Daniel Schaerer                   Observatoire Midi-Pyrenees, Toulouse          N

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5. Abstract

We propose a ``bottom-up'' approach to the problem of star formation, progressing
from individual stars in starbursts, to starbursts in local galaxies, to high-
redshift galaxies with extraordinary star formation rates. The main goal will be to
derive the physical properties of local starburst galaxies from their UV spectra.
Understanding these systems is important since starburst galaxies seem to be the
closest analogues to high-z galaxies. Our approach initially focusses on
understanding the physics and evolution of massive stars. Massive stars play a
pivotal role in the starburst problem, because the prime diagnostics of the star-
formation rate -- the ultraviolet flux or (indirectly) the H-ionizing flux -- are
produced almost exclusively by young, massive stars. We will therefore build,
refine, and validate new evolutionary tracks and atmospheric models through analysis
of HST archival spectra of massive stars and starbursts. In this way, we can test
the stellar physics before going on to the next higher level. The proposed study
should bring a substantial improvement over existing studies. It will be the first
systematic study of many starburst regions using identical analysis techniques and a
consistent treatment of mass-loss. In addition, it will be the first study of star-
formation history that accounts for metallicity.
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  Blocking Factor: 10
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                                                7985(  1) - 04/16/98 14:07  - [  2]

            Summary Form for Proposal  7985

  Item                         Used in this proposal
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  Proposal Category            AR
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