NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013B-0187
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013B-0187 |
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PI: Roberto Abraham, University of Toronto, abraham@astro.utoronto.ca
Address: Department of Astronomy, 60 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
CoI: Ivana Damjanov, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
CoI: Karl Glazebrook, Swinburne University of Technology
CoI: Peter McGregor, Australian National University
CoI: Steven Janssens, University of Toronto
CoI: Robert Sharp, Australian National University
CoI: Simon Morris, University of Durham
CoI: Anne-Marie Weijmans, University of Toronto
CoI: Lee Spitler, Macquarie University
Title: Red Nuggets in the Adaptive Optics Deep Field
Abstract:
We propose to image a sample of high-redshift ultra-compact massive quiescent
galaxies ('red nuggets') using GeMS and GSAOI. The physical nature of these
systems is controversial. Until recently they were believed to be early-type
galaxies, but most recent studies question this. They are poorly understood
because they are so compact that they are difficult to resolve in the
near-infrared with the Hubble Space Telescope. We therefore seek to observe
these systems in K-band (at rest-frame visible wavelengths) to study the bulk
of their stellar mass with a resolution higher than we have been able to
achieve in the near-infrared with HST. Our goal is to determine if the
nuggets are a population of early-type galaxies, or spirals with unusually
massive bulges, or new class of galaxies unique unto themselves, or a mix of
all of these. To accomplish this we have identified a set of 20 nuggets at
1.8<z<3.0 that are located in the Adaptive Optics Deep Field, a special
location on the sky optimized for GeMS performance. We have spent the last
two years undertaking preparatory imaging in this field (whose salutary
features will result in exquisite AO performance with GeMS) in order to
undertake this program. This program harnesses Gemini's adaptive optics
capability in order to undertake an investigation in one of the most active
areas of galaxy formation. It will also showcase how, in certain domains,
Gemini can deliver an imaging capability beyond that of Hubble.
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 > 2013B-0187 |
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