Computer Science
Scientific paper
May 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006sptz.prop30659o&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #30659
Computer Science
Scientific paper
We propose a comprehensive IRAC and MIPS survey of a sample of X-ray selected low redshift brightest cluster galaxies with high H-alpha luminosities to determine the star formation properties of the key class of galaxy. The giant ellipticals in cluster cores have long been regarded as old, quiescent galaxies free of dust and star-formation. However, recent optical, sub-mm, and Spitzer mir-far IR observations have shown that this is not the case in the cores of cooling flows. Instead, substantial masses of both molecular gas (1E9-11 solar masses) and dust (1E7-8 solar masses) are found. Spitzer IRAC and MIPS observations of a few clusters have suggested that the BCGs with high X-ray luminosity and short cooling times or equivalently high H-alpha luminosities exhibit IR luminosities consistent with dust heated by star formation at rates of tens of solar masses per year (Egami et al 2006). These star formation rates are now consistent with the revised X-ray derived mass deposition rates offering the exciting possibility of a solution to the conundrum of cooling flows. These observations also revealed that the one source in their sample which hosted a powerful radio source had a star formation rate much lower than the inferred mass deposition rate, consistent with feedback from the central AGN lowering the mass inflow rate. These results are based on observationsof only a few clusters. With the observations proposed here we will be able to explore the relationship between the ICM, cooling flows, star formation, and AGN activity in BCGs and put these tentative results on firm statistical footing. We will obtain constraints on the fate of cooling gas, heating and cooling processes in the ICM, the nature of star formation in the central galaxies, and the activity of the central massive black hole. We anticipate that for this data set will be of great interest to a large number of researchers and will reduce our proprietary period.
Allen Steven
Baum Stefi
Bregman Joel
Crawford Carolin
Edge Alastair
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