"Star formation in UV-bright interacting galaxies"

Abstract

The interacting pair NGC3395 and NGC3396 and the interacting trio and NGC3991, NGC3994, and NGC3995 emit strongly in the ultraviolet, indicating multiple regions of active star formation. To investigate the nature of the star formation, we obtained U, B, V, and R images using the 40-inch telescope at Mt. Laguna. Our goal is to determine the sequence of star-formation episodes in these systems. Possibilities include a "chain reaction" - one burst triggering another burst and so on - or a continuity of stellar formation that remains approximately constant with time.