Stars and gas in the most metal-poor galaxies I: SBS 0335-052E

<p>Understanding the properties of stars and gas at low metallicity is of large relevance for a variety of fields in astrophysics, since it relates to multiple topical questions which range from understanding the properties of galaxies that contributed to cosmic reionization to the evolution of metal-poor massive stars that give rise to the formation of heavy binary black holes. Crucial are observational constraints for the theoretical predictions. These can be obtained from rest-frame ultraviolet and optical spectra of the most metal-poor galaxies known. Among these, SBS 0335-052E (z=0.0135, 12+log(O/H)=7.3) is one of the most well- studied. For this galaxy, we present Hubble Space Telescope (HST) / Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) detections of the C IV 1549, 1551, He II 1640, O III 1661, 1666, [C III] 1907, and C III] 1909 UV emission lines; and a Very Large Telescope (VLT) / Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) spectrum covering from 4600 to 9400 Ang, which is co-spatial with the UV data and integrated over the same area. Using these datasets we test: a) the latest Charlot & Bruzal spectral synthesis models with very massive (300 Msun) single non-rotating stars; b) the performance of the spectral analysis tool, BayEsian Analysis of GaLaxy sEds (BEAGLE); and c) the extent to which physical properties of the gas and dust derived independently from the UV and optical with BEAGLE are constrained.</p

Finding the UV-Visible Path Forward: Proceedings of the Community Workshop to Plan the Future of UV/Visible Space Astrophysics

We present the science cases and technological discussions that came from the workshop entitled "Finding the UV-Visible Path Forward" held at NASA GSFC June 25-26, 2015. The material presented outlines the compelling science that can be enabled by a next generation space-based observatory dedicated for UV-visible science, the technologies that are available to include in that observatory design, and the range of possible alternative launch approaches that could also enable some of the science. The recommendations to the Cosmic Origins Program Analysis Group from the workshop attendees on possible future development directions are outlined