Abstract

NIRSpec MOS observations of massive galaxy clusters

Tim Rawle (ESA/STScI)

Alves de Oliviera (ESA/STScI), Birkmann (ESA/STScI), Boeker (ESA/STScI), Ferruit (ESA/ESTEC), Giardino (ESA/ESTEC),Luetzgendorf (ESA/STScI), Sirianni (ESA/STScI)

Galaxy clusters are the largest gravitationally bound systems in the Universe, and hence offer a crucial laboratory to probe environmental effects on galaxy formation. At the same time, massive clusters act as powerful lenses, magnifying background objects and yielding a clearer view of otherwise faint galaxies at high redshift. JWST/NIRSpec will provide a unique configurable MOS in space, allowing up the selection and efficient observation of up to 100 targets chosen from both cluster field science cases. Furthermore, the ~3x3 arcmin field-of-view is ideally matched to the on-sky extent of intermediate-redshift (z~0.4) massive clusters. Here we discuss the practicalities, efficiency and limitations of using the NIRSpec MOS to target massive galaxy clusters.

Mode of presentation: poster