MASS-TRANSFER AND STAR-FORMATION IN THE EARLY-TYPE GALAXY OF A MIXED PAIR, AM-0327-285

We present evidence for a young stellar population component in the ea rly-type member of the E+S galaxy pair AM 0327-285. This young populat ion is consistent with the occurrence of cross-fueling in this interac ting system. We used spectroscopy, optical imaging, IRAS data, and ste llar population synthesis to study the stellar content in the early-ty pe galaxy. We also attempted to date episodes of star formation in its nuclear region, from population synthesis and basic dynamical conside rations. The dominant population is old and metal-rich ([Z/Z].=0.3) wh ile similar to 10% of the flux at 5870 Angstrom arises from a superimp osed young stellar population with age greater than or equal to 5 x 10 (8) yr. This age is close to several estimates of the characteristic t imescale of the interaction, suggesting that the mass influx associate d with this star formation occurred as a result of an earlier phase of the interaction and not as a result of the present geometry of the pa ir.