NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2002A-0277
|
NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2002A-0277 |
|
PI: Pimol Moth, University of Florida, pimol@astro.ufl.edu
Address: 211 Bryant Space Sciences Center BOX 112055, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
CoI: Richard J. Elston, University of Florida
Title: A Near-IR Study of the Properties of Lyman Break Galaxies in Two QSO Fields
Abstract: Recently there have been numerous detections of z>=3 galaxies using the Lyman break technique [7] allowing for direct observations of galaxies in a young state. Understanding the properties of these young galaxies, when the universe was ~ 10% of its current age, is crucial in our efforts to better understand galaxy formation and evolution. We propose to conduct a comprehensive study of these Lyman break galaxies (LBGs) using near-IR spectroscopy to study their rest- frame optical emission lines H(beta), [OII] (lambda) 3727, and [OIII] (lambda)$(lambda) 4959, 5007. Observations of these emission lines will allow us to determine the source of excitations (AGN vs. star formation), star formation rates, chemical abundances, velocity dispersions, and masses of LBGs in two QSO fields. Ultimately, we will combine the information obtained from these spectra with existing HST NICMOS and WFPC-2 observations and galaxy formation models to determine the nature of LBGs. The 4-m at KPNO coupled with the multi-slit capability of FLAMINGOS make it now efficient to carry out a comprehensive study of these LBGs.
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-0277 |
|