Aims: We have performed a comprehensive multiwavelength analysis of a sample of 20 starburst galaxies that show the presence of a substantial population of massive stars. The main aims are the study of the massive star formation and stellar populations in these galaxies, and the role that interactions with or between dwarf galaxies and/or low

In this study we present the absolute magnitude calibrations of thin-disc main-sequence stars in the optical , and in the near-infrared . Thin-disc stars are identified by means of Padova isochrones, and absolute magnitudes for the sample are evaluated via the newly reduced Hipparcos data. The obtained calibrations cover a large range of spectral

Aims: We study in detail nine sources in the direction of the young σ Orionis cluster, which is considered to be a unique site for studying stellar and substellar formation. The nine sources were selected because of their peculiar properties, such as extremely-red infrared colours or excessively strong Hα emission for their blue optical colours

This contribution gives an overview of the ground-based observing efforts organized to collect the auxiliary data mandatory for the calibrations and tests of the Gaia data processing.

Not Available