Elliptical Families: The Star Formation History of the Universe's Most Boring Galaxies

Jim Schombert

University of Oregon

Our current understanding of the SED and spectral features in elliptical galaxies is flawed by a mismatch between continuum and line indices values as well as poor interpretation of stellar population models. We have been following a dual observational and computational initiative to study the structural and stellar population characteristics using new photometric and multi-metallicity population models that consider non-solar abundances combined with exotic population components (i.e., blue stragglers, HB stars, young stars, etc.). Our studies over the last decade indicate that there are two families of elliptical galaxies, distinct in their structure as well as star formation history.