Gotcha! Using Swift GRBs to Pinpoint the Highest Redshift Galaxies

Computer Science – Performance

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While there is convincing evidence that the Universe was re-ionized 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 re-ionization. Moreover, the detection of galaxies at z>7 is exceedingly difficult even with the Hubble UDF or cluster lensing. Significant progress can be made using gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) localized with the now-operational Swift satellite, which is capable of detecting bursts out to z>10. 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. Using our approved TOO programs at an extensive range of facilities (from 1-m robotic telescopes to Keck/Magellan), 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. Here we request imaging with NICMOS (z>6), ACS (z~6), and Spitzer/IRAC to characterize the properties (SFR, age, morphology) of up to five galaxies located in this manner, and begin to address their role in re-ionization. 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.

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