NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2001A-0124
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2001A-0124 |
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PI: Chris Mihos, Case Western Reserve University, hos@burro.astr.cwru.edu
Address: 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
CoI: Heather Morrison, Case Western Reserve University
CoI: John Feldmeier, Case Western Reserve University
CoI: Paul Harding, University of Arizona
Title: The Properties of Intracluster Light
Abstract: We propose to search for and quantify the properties of the intracluster light (ICL) in galaxy clusters as a function of cluster environment. The ICL is likely formed through tidal stripping of cluster galaxies, so that its properties should be linked both to the dynamical evolution of the cluster and to the distribution of dark matter in cluster galaxies. The structure of the ICL, therefore, should vary between clusters with different physical properties. We will target six rich Abell clusters which span a range of Bautz-Morgan type, from cD-dominated type I clusters to type III clusters where the galaxy population is more uniform. Inasmuch as the presence or absence of a central cD is a signature of the degree of dynamical evolution of a cluster, this sample allows us to probe how the properties of the ICL depend on the cluster's dynamical state. We are requesting 5 dark nights on the 2.1m to reach (mu)_V=26.5 mag/sq arcsec in each cluster.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2001A-0124 |
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