I am proposing to use the large number of galaxy images and spectra from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS)  to study the star formation rates of galaxies with morphologies similar to our own MIlky Way in a wide range of environments.   The high resolution photometric survey will be used to determine the morphologies of the galaxies in order to select a sample of Sb-Sc galaxies (0.1 < B/T < 0.3).  Then, the spectra and photometry will be used in conjunction to determine two subsets: one of galaxies in high density environments and one of galaxies in low density environments.  Finally, the equivalent widths of the H-alpha and [O II] emission lines of the two samples will be compared in order to find statistical differences between the amount of compact star formation  in late-type spiral galaxies in clusters and  the amount of compact star formation in late-type spiral galaxies in the field.
 

In  Paper  1  I review an article which describes two properties of galaxies which influence their SFRs:  morphology and environment.

In Paper 2 I discuss previous studies of the influences that galaxy morphology and environment have on star formation and how Sloan can provide the data necessary to further understand these effects.

The final project is broken down into several sections, each listed below.  Many sections are expansions of the discussion given in paper 2.

I.  Introduction

II.  Background studies

III.  Environment and star formation

IV.  Method for using Sloan to determine the influence of environment on star formation.

V.  Conclusions and follow-up observations.

VI.  References