Modeling starburst SEDs

In this paper, we combine the stellar spectral synthesis code STARBURST99, the nebular modeling code MAPPINGS IIIq, a one-dimensional dynamical evolution model of H II regions around massive clusters of young stars, and a simplified model of synchrotron emissivity to produce purely theoretical self-consistent synthetic spectral energy distributions (SEDs) for (solar metallicity) starbursts lasting ~10^8^yr. These SEDs extend from the Lyman limit to beyond 21cm.

We present detailed SED fits to Arp 220 and NGC 6240, and we give the predicted colors for starburst galaxies derived from our models for the IRAS and the Spitzer Space Telescope MIPS and IRAC instruments. Our models reproduce the spread in observed colors of starburst galaxies. Finally, we present absolute calibrations to convert observed fluxes into star formation rates in the UV (GALEX), at optical wavelengths (H), and in the IR (IRAS or Spitzer).