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# Proposal Information for 2002A-0270

PI: Patrick McCarthy, Carnegie Observatories, pmc2@ociw.edu
Address: 813 Santa Barbara St., Pasadena, CA 91101, USA

CoI: Karl Glazebrook, Johns Hopkins
CoI: Roberto Abraham, U. of Toronto
CoI: Raymond Carlberg, U. of Toronto
CoI: David Crampton, DAO
CoI: Hsiao-Wen Chen, Carnegie Observatories
CoI: Ronald Marzke, San Francisco State University

Title: The Gemini Deep Deep Survey

Abstract: We propose to carry out a redshift survey in the 1 < z < 2 range to unprecedented depths by bringing a new capability to GMOS. We will use these data to determine the mass function of galaxies at the peak epoch of galaxy assembly. A 1 magnitude gain in sensitivity and \times 2 gain in multiplexing for GMOS will be enabled by the addition of a nod & shuffle'' micro-slit spectroscopic mode. Our survey will yield high spectroscopic completeness to I=24.5 with GMOS and I=23.5 with MARS, and will lead to true volume-limited samples of galaxies in the hitherto poorly explored redshift range 0.8 < z < 2.5. We will probe below M^\star at z=2 and 2 magnitudes below M^\star at z=0.8. Our program will increase the number of spectroscopically confirmed galaxies in the redshift range 1.3 < z < 2.3 by a factor of ten and improve the empirical luminosity functions in the 0.7 < z < 1 range by a factor of 3 - 5. Our 8-color optical/IR photometric redshift preselection allows the first survey of any kind at interesting redshifts that is truly mass, rather than star-formation rate, limited. This program will not only aid in the development of MARS through the use of shared risk observing time, it will also bring a powerful new capability to Gemini. We will make all of our spectra public to assist others in preparing observing programs with GMOS and MARS.

National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360

 NOAO >   Observing Info >   Approved Programs >   2002A-0270