NOAO >   Observing Info >   Approved Programs >   2015A-0302

Program Information for 2015A-0302

PI: Wayne Barkhouse, U. of North Dakota, wayne.barkhouse@email.und.edu
Address: Physics Department, 101 Cornell Street, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202 USA

CoI: Sandanuwan Kalawila, U. of North Dakota
CoI: Cody Rude, U. of North Dakota
CoI: Madina Sultanova, U. of North Dakota
CoI: Haylee Archer, U. of North Dakota

Title: H-alpha Mapping of Star Formation in Cluster Dwarf Galaxies

Abstract: We request NOAO/KPNO 4m+Mosaic time to observe seven galaxy clusters ($0.03 < z <0.15$) in a narrow-band filter centered on the $H\alpha$ line in order to measure star formation of cluster dwarf galaxies. The continuum-subtracted $H\alpha$ images will allow us to constrain star formation rates (SFRs) via the correlation of SFR with $H\alpha$ luminosity and equivalent width. The impact of the cluster environment will be quantified using radial-dependent measures of the SFR within individual clusters, and variations in the SFR measurements among different clusters. $H\alpha$ measurements will be compared to our previous $u$-band imaging data of our target cluster sample to explore the correlation between the UV continuum and $H\alpha$ emission of the cluster dwarf galaxy population. The goal of this proposal is to understand the mechanism that is responsible for the enhancement/quenching of star formation as dwarf galaxies fall into the cluster environment. This proposal will allow us to compile a statistically meaningful sample in which to compare $H\alpha$ and UV- continuum measurements as a proxy for star formation activity.

Program Type: Standard/Extragalactic

Scheduled Nights:
Run 1 (2015A):  KP-4m/MOSA -- 2.5n on Feb 11 - Feb 12 2015, Jun 12 - Jun 14 2015

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 >   2015A-0302