Realizing Spitzer's Far-IR Background Science Potential

Details Realizing Spitzer's Far-IR Background Science Potential Realizing Spitzer's Far-IR Background Science Potential

May 2006

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006sptz.prop30231g&link_type=abstract

Spitzer Proposal ID #30231

Physics

Scientific paper

We propose a short program of MIPS scans of the Lockman Hole (LH) to provide the new data necessary to greatly improve the quality of the existing MIPS map of this region. The improved maps will permit us to make power spectrum measurements (P(k)) of the 160 µm IR background (CFIB) in order to measure IR galaxy clustering and differential evolution. Our simulations show that these dramatic improvements in results and map quality are possible using only an additional 10% of the original MIPS time on this field. Currently, scan-related structure, "stripes", limit the precision of P(k) measurements of the CFIB in the LH map. It is well-known that "cross- linking" scans are required to reduce stripes in such maps, however, only an insignificant number of these scans were made in the large MIPS surveys appropriate for CFIB analysis. We planned our observations to address this fundamental problem. Our simulations indicate that the striping contribution to P(k) is reduced by up to 77% on the scales where galaxy clustering and evolution are measured, greatly enhancing the science potential in the map. Our P(k) results thus far with this map apparently reject current galaxy distribution models -but only at weak significance. Reducing the systematic error as proposed will permit Spitzer to realize it's full potential in CFIB science, changing these weakly significant "hints" into significant measurements. We emphasize that these observations will not just reduce P(k) error but will also yield higher-quality, more robust maps; the better backgrounds and reduced striping will in turn yield better source fluxes, benefiting a wide range of Spitzer science, not just CFIB.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Realizing Spitzer's Far-IR Background Science Potential does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Realizing Spitzer's Far-IR Background Science Potential, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Realizing Spitzer's Far-IR Background Science Potential will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-933529