Mid-Infrared Imaging of the z=0.9 Super-Cluster RCS2319
Abstract
The Red-Sequence Cluster Survey (RCS) has recently discovered a rare grouping of three massive (~5x10^14 M) galaxy clusters, at a spectroscopically confirmed redshift of z = 0.9. With separations of ~5 Mpc, this structure is a clear example of the ancestors of today's most massive galaxy clusters. The richest cluster of the three was observed with Spitzer in Cycles 3 and 4 as part of a large program (40 clusters), designed to study the evolution of clusters and cluster galaxies; here we request time to obtain similar data on the second two clusters within the super-structure. Infrared imaging with Spitzer IRAC and MIPS will facilitate a comprehensive study of the galaxy population within this structure by (1) tracing stellar mass; (2) quantifying the dust-enshrouded activity; (3) separating star-forming systems from dusty AGN; and (4) constraining star formation rates and total luminosities of cluster galaxies. Key to the success of this program is the wealth of data we have obtained at other wavelengths including 1000's of spectra in the supercluster field, and deep X-ray and radio imaging with Chandra and the VLA over the entire area. Together, these data afford the unique opportunity to fully characterize the galaxy population within the unambiguous progenitor of the massive local clusters.
- Publication:
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Spitzer Proposal
- Pub Date:
- March 2008
- Bibcode:
- 2008sptz.prop50720W