Computer Science – Performance
Scientific paper
May 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006sptz.prop30000b&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #30000
Computer Science
Performance
Scientific paper
While there is convincing evidence that the Universe was reionized between redshifts of 6.5 and 15, the role of galaxies in this process is still not understood. Several star-forming galaxies at z~6 have been identified in recent deep, narrow-field surveys, but the expensive observations along with cosmic variance and contamination make it difficult to assess their contribution to reionization, or to significantly increase the sample. It has now been demonstrated that gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) exist at z>6, and we have already obtained HST and Spitzer observations of the host galaxy of GRB050904 at z=6.295 using our Cycle 14 program. GRBs have the advantage of being an uncontaminated signpost for star-formation, and their afterglows are sufficiently bright even at z>6 to allow photometric selection (via the Ly-alpha drop out technique) with 2-5 meter telescopes. Spectroscopic confirmation, including detailed information on the host ISM, is also likely (as demonstrated in the case of GRB050904). Using our approved TOO programs at an extensive range of facilities (2-5m telescopes up to Keck/Magellan/Gemini), we can rapidly find afterglows at z>6 and easily distinguish them from dusty low redshift bursts. This approach is highly efficient compared to current techniques, especially at z>7. Our large allocation on Keck/Magellan/Gemini will also be used to obtain spectroscopy of the afterglows and host galaxies. Here we request to continue our program of imaging GRB-selected z>6 galaxies with NICMOS (z>6), and Spitzer/IRAC to characterize their properties (SFR, age, morphology, extinction), and begin to address their role in reionization. These observations are requested as >2 month TOOs, allowing flexibility of scheduling and at the same time taking a unique and timely advantage of the exquisite performance of three of NASA's premier missions.
Barger Amy
Berger Edo
Cenko Bradley
Chary Ranga Ram
Cowie Lennox
No associations
LandOfFree
Gotcha! Using Swift GRBs to Pinpoint the Highest Redshift Galaxies 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 Gotcha! Using Swift GRBs to Pinpoint the Highest Redshift Galaxies, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Gotcha! Using Swift GRBs to Pinpoint the Highest Redshift Galaxies will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-932870