Program: GN-2012A-Q-96

We propose to measure independently the vertical scale heights of red giant, asymptotic giant, and red super-giant stars in the edge-on spiral galaxy NGC 4565. These measurements will allow us to determine disk-heating time-scales, constrain corresponding heating mechanisms, and also better understand the {\it vertical} mass distribution underpinning the estimate of the dynamical mass in kinematic studies of face-on normal spirals. From deep, GNIRS spectroscopy we will extract molecular indices capable of isolating effective surface-gravity, abundances, and temperature. This will be the first time scale heights for different-aged disk populations will be probed in an external galaxy with a rotation speed comparable to the MW. In addition, this one application of GNIRS spectroscopy to a nearby galaxy will allow us to calibrate and apply new narrow-band filters in WHIRC for panoramic studies available to the community.