Extragalactic star formation rate -- estimates at different wavelengths

Abstract

The star formation rate (SFR) in galaxies is of prime importance in the study of formation and evolution of galaxies. Different methods have hence been evolved to estimate the current SFR in galaxies, using indicators at different wavelengths. These methods are reviewed briefly. While there is a good correlation between different estimators, one needs to exercise caution while applying any single method to an individual galaxy,or more particularly, an individual star forming region. However, the availability of data at several wavelengths helps in understanding the environments of different types of galaxies, and an individual starforming region better.