Bibcode
DOI
Vilchez, J. M.
Bibliographical reference
Astronomical Journal v.110, p.1090
Advertised on:
9
1995
Citations
73
Refereed citations
58
Description
A study is presented on the spectroscopic properties of a sample of
star- forming dwarf galaxies in extreme density environments, as part of
an ongoing project intended to evaluate the influence of the environment
on the evolution of dwarf galaxies. Subsets of dwarf galaxies in nearby
voids, and in the field of the local supercluster have been selected to
characterize lower density regions. Conversely, higher density
environments have been characterized choosing a subset of galaxies in
the direction of the core of the Virgo Cluster, as well as an isolated
clump of galaxies. Our findings indicate that, overall, the spectra of
those star-forming dwarf galaxies located in low-density regions tend to
present higher excitations and ionization parameters, higher Hβ
equivalent widths, and larger total Hβ luminosities than similar
objects located in higher density environments. At the same time, only
marginal evidence may be found supporting a trend between the gas
metallicity and the density of the environment. The general metallicity
luminosity relation for dwarf galaxies appears to be followed by most
galaxies in the sample. An analysis of the spectroscopic ratios of the
galaxies using recent evolutionary models of giant H II regions suggests
a mixed star-formation history for most of the Virgo star- forming
dwarfs, requiring continuous star formation in addition to some
currently observable bursts.