1. Star Formation within
H-II Regions of
Messier 106
BY ZOE ZONTOS

2. Introduction
• Messier 106 (NGC 4258)
• Constellation: CanesVenatici
• RA: 12h 18m 57s | Dec: +47 deg 18’ 13”
• Apparent mag: 8.4

3. H-II Regions
What are H-II regions?
- Low-density clouds of
ionized gas.
- Contain ionized atomic
hydrogen and are called H-II
(where as H-I regions are
neutral atomic hydrogen).

4. H-II Regions (Continued)
• Dominant spectral line for H-II regions has a wavelength of 656.3 m
known as the H-alpha line.
• Measuring the Hα luminosity emitted by the ionized gas.
• Found in nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies (usually spirals and
irregular).

5. Project Goals (Initially and Revised)
• Observe 4-5 galaxies
• Compare H-II regions and star formation rates
• Objects observed:
• Messier 106

6. Data Collection and Reduction
• Instrument: STX-16803 SBIG
• Telescope: ERAU RC 1-m
• Main filters used: Hα and r
• Exposure times: 1-5 min, 20 min

7. Results
Hα Filter

8. Results
R Filter

9. Ongoing Results
- Align my r and Hα images
- Determining the flux and magnitudes for the regions
- Take flux ratios
- Use ‘phot’ command
- Combine separate filter images

10. Problems
- Not enough data
- Use of filters
-Weather
- R and Hα lines overlapping

11. Questions?