NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2002A-0142
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2002A-0142 |
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PI: John Feldmeier, Case Western Reserve University, johnf@eor.astr.cwru.edu
Address: 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
CoI: Robin Ciardullo, Penn State University
CoI: George Jacoby, WIYN
CoI: Pat Durrell, Penn State University
Title: Unifying observations of intracluster starlight in Virgo and in the M81 Group
Abstract: A key problem in extragalactic astronomy is how galaxy clusters and groups dynamically evolve. Although the properties of these systems depend sensitively on the rates of galactic cannibalism, outside accretion, and tidal-stripping, the relative importance of these mechanisms is unknown. The one property we can observe, the fraction of light removed from galaxies via tidal-stripping, is difficult to detect, and until recently, had only been observed in a few very rich galaxy clusters. Recent studies of intracluster planetary nebulae (from Kitt Peak), intracluster red giants (from \sl HST and CFHT) and diffuse light (from Kitt Peak) have already given us exciting new information on the nature and origin of intracluster light. Each of these methods probe different aspects of the intracluster light, and by using them in concert, we can learn much more about its properties, and origin. We propose to continue our [O III] (lambda) 5007 survey for intracluster planetary nebulae in the Virgo cluster and in the M 81 group using the wide field imaging capabilities of the 4-m telescope with the CCD Mosaic camera. These observations will be directed at fields observed (and to be observed) by \sl HST and CFHT, and will be supplemented by planned surface brightness observations using the CWRU Burrell Schmidt.
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 > 2002A-0142 |
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