Understanding circumnuclear star formation in spiral galaxies

We are attempting to learn the circumstances under which bursts of star formation may be triggered around the nuclei of many nearby spiral galaxies. By comparing the observed equivalent widths of the Brγ emission line and the CO (2-0) absorption band in each of the circumnuclear hotspots, with starburst models from the literature, we can place constraints on the age and duration of each star formation event. We present preliminary results obtained for M 100 (NGC 4321).