The initial mass function and star formation law in the outer disc of NGC 2915 (1411.6674v1)

Abstract: Using Hubble Space Telescope (HST) ACS/WFC data we present the photometry and spatial distribution of resolved stellar populations in the outskirts of NGC 2915, a blue compact dwarf with an extended HI disc. These observations reveal an elliptical distribution of red giant branch stars, and a clumpy distribution of main-sequence stars that correlate with the HI gas distribution. We constrain the upper-end initial mass function (IMF) and determine the star formation law (SFL) in this field, using the observed main-sequence stars and an assumed constant star formation rate. Previously published H{\alpha} observations of the field, which show one faint HII region, are used to provide further constraints on the IMF. We find that the main-sequence luminosity function analysis alone results in a best-fitting IMF with a power-law slope {\alpha}=-2.85 and upper-mass limit M$\rm{u}$ = 60 M$\odot$. However, if we assume that all H{\alpha} emission is confined to HII regions then the upper-mass limit is restricted to M$\rm{u}$ $\le$20 M$\odot$. For the luminosity function fit to be correct we have to discount the H{\alpha} observations implying significant diffuse ionized gas or escaping ionizing photons. Combining the HST photometry with HI imaging we find the SFL has a power law index $N=1.53 \pm 0.21$. Applying these results to the entire outer HI disc indicates that it contributes 11--28% of the total recent star formation in NGC 2915, depending on whether the IMF is constant within the disc or varies from the centre to the outer region.