Physics
Scientific paper
Sep 2004
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004sptz.prop.3550j&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #3550
Physics
Scientific paper
1E0657-56 (z=0.296), one of the hottest and most luminous X-ray clusters, is the only known example of a major supersonic cluster merger. The Chandra image of this merging cluster shows a sharp bow shock that leads the merging ``bullet'' subcluster. Not only are the cluster's X-ray properties unique, but the merger is occurring in the plane of the sky. This fortuitous geometry allows us to calculate, without model dependent geometrical assumptions, the ambient density, temperature, and pressure that the merging galaxies experience. We also know which galaxies have traversed the cluster core and, since the merger velocity is measured from the X-ray observations, the time since these galaxies traversed the core. Because the gas velocity is discontinuous at the shock, the galaxies behind it will experience one third the ram pressure exerted on galaxies ahead of the shock. Therefore, Spitzer IRAC observations of this supersonic merger will, for the first time, provide star formation rates for galaxies at a well measured time after experiencing known external pressures. In particular, we will study the effects of changing external pressure on the star formation rates of galaxies ahead, within, and directly behind the shock using the 6.2um PAH feature, redshifted into the IRAC 8.0um bandpass. Combining Spitzer observations with X-ray and ground-based images (and spectroscopy) will yield new insights into galaxy evolution during cluster mergers.
Forman William
Gonzalez Anthony
Jones Christine
Markevitch Maxim
Pahre Michael
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