THE SPATIAL-DISTRIBUTION OF STELLAR CO ABSORPTION IN M83

Long-slit H- and K-band near-infrared spectra have been acquired throu gh the bright nuclear starburst region in the nearby galaxy M83. The s patial distribution of the stellar CO 2-0 absorption band broadly rese mbles that of the 2 mu m continuum emission and has a maximum depth co nsistent with a pure starburst population. The band strength deceases monotonically away from this location to a value consistent with that seen in the giant-dominated populations in ellipticals and the bulges of spiral galaxies. There is no significant variation in the ratio of Pi (CO 6-3) and K (CO 2-0) band equivalent widths, which argues agains t any significant dilution of the bands by hot dust. The CO depth and Bry emission-line equivalent width are anticorrelated. Comparison with starburst evolutionary models indicates an age gradient across this c entral region.