A technique for estimation of starburst masses and ages in luminous compact galaxies

We propose a technique for estimation of the mass m of the young stellar population and the starburst age T in luminous compact galaxies (LCGs). For this purpose we use LCG Hα emission line luminosities from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) spectra and Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) FUV and NUV continuum luminosities. The method is intended for quick estimation of m and T in large galaxy samples and does not require spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting. Estimated m and T for the sample of about 550 LCGs are compared with the same values derived from the SED fitting in the wavelength range λλ 3800–9200 A. We obtain the average differences in logm and T of 0.27 and 0.87 Myr, respectively. This technique could be used for selection of galaxies with desired ranges of m and T or for reducing a range of parameter variations in SED fitting.