Program: GN-2007B-Q-24

Title:Dynamics of Galaxies at the Peak of the Formation Epoch
PI:Patrick McCarthy
Co-I(s): Roberto Abraham, Karl Glazebrook, Peter McGregor, Katherine Roth, Inger Jorgensen, Haojing Yan, Hsiao-Wen Chen, David Crampton, Sandra Savaglio, Damien Le Borgne, Raymond Carlberg, Stephanie Juneau, Erin Mentuch, Ronald Marzke, Preethi Nair, Chris Blake

Abstract

We propose to use the newly commissioned NIFS integral-field spectrograph to measure the velocity fields of massive galaxies with 1.3 < z < 1.7, the peak of the galaxy mass building epoch. Our targets are selected from the Gemini Deep Deep Survey, a comprehensive study of mass-selected galaxies at intermediate redshifts. All have strong [OII]3727 emission and our ACS images reveal complex substructure with high surface brightness. We will use NIFS with LGS AO to measure the H alpha velocity field and determine dynamical mass. In combination with our stellar mass determinations this will allow robust measures of mass to light ratios and direct comparisons with the results of numerical simulations of galaxy formation and dynamical evolution.