Ultraviolet imaging of nearby starbursts: NGC 3310

Optical surveys for high-redshift (z∼2–5) star forming galaxies will preferentially identify UV-bright systems since the observed optical emission corresponds to the rest-frame UV. Studies of nearby UV-bright starbursts thus provide a unique opportunity to obtain a detailed understanding of the phenomena observed at high redshifts. We discuss the far-ultraviolet (FUV; λ∼1500 A) properties of the nearby blue starburst galaxy NGC 3310. The FUV morphology is compared to that observed at longer wavelengths. The stellar content of selected star forming regions is also discussed.