Journal article
The star-formation history in the vicinity of NGC 1866 in the large magellanic cloud
BW Stappers, JR Mould, KM Sebo, JA Holtzman, JS Gallagher, AM Watson, GE Ballester, CJ Burrows, S Casertano, JT Clarke, D Crisp, RE Griffiths, JJ Hester, JG Hoessel, PA Scowen, KR Stapelfeldt, JT Trauger, JA Westphal
Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific | Published : 1997
DOI: 10.1086/133888
Abstract
To expand on the recent single WFPC2 field obtained in the vicinity of this cluster, we have measured the luminosity function in a one-third by one-half degree field in the LMC with the 40-in. telescope at Siding Spring Observatory. Combining our results with recent 4-m and WFPC2 observations, we examine the constraints on the star-formation history of the field from 108 to 1010 years ago. The simple model derived from the WFPC2 data with an increase in the star-formation rate ∼3 Gyr ago fits the combined data. However, this rate increase seems to have been unique. This event notwithstanding, the smooth luminosity function from V = 16 to V = 22 suggests steady star formation rather than a st..
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