Stellar Populations and Dust Extinction in Disk Galaxies

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Uta Fritze-von Alvensleben
• Subject Area: Astrophysics and Astronomy
• Term: Funded in 2006
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 35839078

The main aim of this proposal is to study stellar age and metallicity gradients and dust extinction for a large number of nearby disk galaxies. The sample galaxies will be selected to cover a wide range of parameters, such as nuclear activity (non-active galaxies versus active galaxies), surface brightness (normal spiral galaxies versus LSB spiral galaxies) and environment (cluster versus field). The sample of near infrared data which we request to observe with the IRSF will be complemented with deep optical data with the SALT/SALTICAM. These data will be analyzed using radiation transfer models, including a realistic parametrization of the 3D distribution of dust and stars in disk galaxies, and refined evolutionary synthesis models.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants