AST-9529190 Marcia Rieke George Rieke Nuclear Starbursts and Galaxy Evolution. The processes in and around the nuclei of galaxies are among the most intriguing subjects of astronomical research. This work will concentrate on the shortlived episodes of massive star formation -- starbursts -- that can dominate these regions. At the same time the project will explore the possibility that star formation plays an enabling role in feeding black holes in galactic nuclei. The components of the program include observations of young starbursts, the development of an appropriate library of infrared spectra of stars, attempting to find the products of starbursts, and investigations of the roles of Active Galactic Nuclei in these classes of galaxies.
