Dr. Guy Worthey, at Washington State University, will undertake a program of research in several areas related to galaxy evolution, using spectroscopic and photometric integrated-light observations. The goal of this research is to increase the accuracy of the spectroscopic measurement of the mean age of stellar populations in non-star-forming galaxies, to provide clues about galaxy formation. New spectral indices will be developed, to allow for the measurement of abundances in galactic bulges, elliptical and so-called "lenticular" galaxies, and quiescent regions in spiral galaxies. The work will also generate useful "byproducts", including new observational and theoretical libraries of stellar spectra, high quality spectra of galaxies, a new spectral index system and new observations of stars and star clusters needed to calibrate the models.
The potential use of integrated starlight observations to derive chemical abundances has broad impact across many disciplines. The PI plans to develop the local "Project ASTRO" outreach program, and will undertake a new initiative to develop a variation on Project ASTRO to reach out to the Coeur d'Alene and Nez Perce reservation schools.
