Galaxy mass functions and star formation rates in redshift 1.5 clusters

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Scientific paper

We propose to obtain deep 4.5, 8 and 24 micron images of the central regions of two galaxy clusters at redshifts 1.5 for which we already possess a wealth of complementary optical, near-IR and HST data. These are amongst the highest redshift clusters known, and so offer a unique opportunity to address some of the key issues relating to the formation and evolution of the most massive galaxies. The goals of our proposed observations are to: 1. Accurately determine the stellar masses of the cluster galaxies, and hence the galaxy mass function of the cluster. In this way we will investigate the mass assembly epoch of massive cluster galaxies, which in turn places tight constraints upon models of galaxy formation. 2. Provide improved estimates of the stellar population ages of the passive cluster galaxies, and hence investigate the epoch at which their stars were formed. 3. Investigate the current star formation activity of the clusters. Is star formation suppressed in dense environments even at these high redshifts? When did the morphology-density relation set in? Are the star formation rates enhanced in the infalling regions? 4. Compare all of these results to both samples of field galaxies (from the legacy surveys) at the same redshift, in order to determine the effect of the cluster environment. Also, compare the results with lower redshift cluster samples in order to track the evolution over cosmic epoch. The proposed observations offer the only route to obtaining a complete census of the galaxy content and galaxy properties of these distant clusters, and hence to answering some of the fundamental questions concerning the formation and evolution of massive galaxies in clusters.

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