Contents of: VI/111/./abstract/NBERGVAL_BCG.abs

The following document lists the file abstract/NBERGVAL_BCG.abs from catalogue VI/111.
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The blue compact galaxies (BCGs) are playing an increasingly central
role in understanding galaxy evolution. Most likely their quiescent
counterparts belong to one of the dominant constituents of the
universe, some of which may have faded below the detection limits.
Due to their chemical homogeneity, low dust content and relative
small sizes, the galaxies are comparatively easy to model. In
addition they do not contain strong non thermal sources. This make
them ideal targets for studying the starburst phenomenon and massive
stellar evolution. BCGs also allow us to study the mechanisms
involved in galaxy formation and early evolution, providing tools
for understanding evolutionary processes at higher redshifts.
We propose to observe xx BCGs for which we previously have obtained
spectroscopy and broadband images in UBVRI. For a subsample we also
have images in JHK and observations in radio continuum and HI.
We propose to obtain ISOCAM SW3, SW6, LW2 and LW3 imaging and
photometry in the 25, 60,100 and 180mu bands. We also
propose to obtain LWS spectra of 3 galaxies in the most prominent
far-IR emission lines. The imaging and photometry will be used
in conjunction with the optical/near-IR data to study the distri-
bution of hot/warm dust in relation to the stellar population.
The amount of dust and the contribution from different emission
sources to the continuum will be studied. The spectroscopy will
be used to analyze the distribution, density and temperature of
the neutral gas associated with the molecular gas. The N/O will
be derived for these regions, supplying information about the
previous enrichment by massive stars. The upper mass limit will
be traced from the [NII]/[NIII] ratio and shocked gas will be
revealed. The uniqueness of this project compared to related GTPs:
Extremely luminous BCGs; in-house spectral evolutionary models;
large, high-quality complementary uv/optical/near-IR/radio database.