Program: GS-2004A-Q-27

We propose to obtain intermediate resolution spectra of RR Lyrae stars in the inner regions of the LMC and two star clusters in the LMC, in order to measure their radial velocities and metallicities. Additional IR photometry will allow us to place the stars in front or behind the LMC, accounting for reddening. The scientific goal is to measure the kinematics of the LMC metal-poor halo. This will indicate whether galaxies like the Milky Way and small galaxies like the LMC have similar early formation histories. This is important for Dark Matter studies, as well as for determining the stellar evolutionary age of the universe. These observations will also test ideas that microlensing of LMC stars is produced by tidal debris located in front of the LMC. This Chilean GeminiS spectroscopic proposal is linked to a Chilean CTIO4m IR photometry proposal.