The Star-Formation History in the Vicinity of NGC 1866 in the Large Magellanic Cloud
Watson, A. M.; Holtzman, J. A.; Stapelfeldt, K. R.; Gallagher, J. S., III; Clarke, J. T.; Griffiths, R. E.; Ballester, G. E.; Hester, J. J.; Casertano, S.; Scowen, P. A.; Stappers, B. W.; Westphal, J. A.; Hoessel, J. G.; Crisp, D.; Mould, J. R.; Burrows, C. J.; Trauger, J. T.; Sebo, K. M.
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 inch telescope at Siding Spring Observator. Combining our results with recent 4-meter and WFPC2 observations, we examine the constraints on the star formation history of the field from 10^8 to 10^10 years ago. The simple model derived from the WFPC2 data with and increase in the star formation rate ~3 Gyrs 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 star formation history dominated by intense bursts. (SECTION: Galaxies)