Early-type galaxies are traditionally viewed as dynamically simple stellar systems with homogeneous stellar populations.
However, the SAURON survey of the two-dimensional ionized-gas/stellar kinematics and stellar populations of
nearby early-type galaxies has recently revealed kinematically decoupled cores and substantial metallicity and/or age gradients
in many objects (e.g. Emsellem et al. 2004).
By combining far-ultraviolet (FUV) and near-ultraviolet (NUV) imaging observations from GALEX with existing SAURON data,
we aim to constrain the incidence, rate, and spatial distribution of recent and ongoing star formation in early-type galaxies.
To study the detailed spatial distribution of young stars, we have constructed full two-dimensional UV - Optical colour maps.
In order to estimate the age and mass fraction of young stars,
furthermore, we consider a two-stage star formation history using the models of Yi&Yoon(update from Yi 2003) combined with those of Bruzual & Charlot(2003).
This work have been started with Martin Bureau from the university of Oxford and SAURON Team.
Papers
