History of Star Formation Rate and Luminosity Density of Galaxies

Abstract

We have computed the time evolution of bolometric, far-infrared, Halpha line, ultraviolet (both intrinsic and escaping the star forming region) and the nonthermal radio continuum luminosities for continuous and constant star formation. The luminosity rises to a plateau value and declines after the termination of starburst, but only gradually. The time evolution profiles are broad and different for different star formation indicators. The broad profiles lead to uncertainties in the star formation rate derived depending on the initial mass function, duration of starburst, its distribution and the observational epoch.