Annu. Rev. Astron. Astrophys. 1998. 36: 189-231 Copyright © 1998 by Annual Reviews. All rights reserved

Reprinted with kind permission from Annual Reviews, 4139 El Camino Way, Palo Alto, California, USA

KEY WORDS: galaxy evolution, starbursts, spiral galaxies, star formation rates, stellar populations

Abstract. Observations of star formation rates (SFRs) in galaxies provide vital clues to the physical nature of the Hubble sequence and are key probes of the evolutionary histories of galaxies. The focus of this review is on the broad patterns in the star formation properties of galaxies along the Hubble sequence and their implications for understanding galaxy evolution and the physical processes that drive the evolution. Star formation in the disks and nuclear regions of galaxies are reviewed separately, then discussed within a common interpretive framework. The diagnostic methods used to measure SFRs are also reviewed, and a self-consistent set of SFR calibrations is presented as an aid to workers in the field.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

DIAGNOSTIC METHODS

Integrated Colors and Spectra, Synthesis Modeling

Ultraviolet Continuum

Recombination Lines

Forbidden Lines

Far-Infrared Continuum

DISK STAR FORMATION

Global Star Formation Rates Along the Hubble Sequence

Dependence of Star Formation Rates on Gas Content

Other Global Influences on Star Formation Rate

CIRCUMNUCLEAR STAR FORMATION AND STARBURSTS

Star Formation Rates and Physical Properties

Dependence on Type and Environment

INTERPRETATION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR GALAXY EVOLUTION

Disk Evolution Along the Hubble Sequence

Evolution of Circumnuclear Star Formation

Physical Regulation of Star Formation Rate

FUTURE PROSPECTS

REFERENCES

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