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The Carnegie Observatories

Contributing to basic research in astronomy since 1904, as a part of the Carnegie Institution of Washington

Connecting Galaxy Evolution, Star Formation and the X-ray Background

A Large Population of High Redshift Galaxy Clusters


 

Mark Brodwin (JPL)

Using a probabilistic photometric redshift-based approach combining Spitzer mid-IR and NOAO optical data, we have discovered nearly 300 new galaxy clusters and groups in the NDWFS Bootes field, nearly 100 of which are at 1 < z < 2. To date we have spectroscopically confirmed 7 of these high redshift clusters, spanning 1.06 < z < 1.41. In this regime clusters have the mean colors predicted by a passive evolution model with a high (z > 3) formation redshift. Deep follow-up IRAC and ACS data, currently being obtained for 18 of the z > 1 clusters, allows detailed studies of the mass assembly history in massive galaxies at this key epoch.