The GaLAxy Cluster Evolution Survey (GLACE): introduction and first results

TL;DR

The GLACE survey uses tuneable filters on the GTC telescope to map optical emission lines in galaxy clusters at various redshifts, aiming to understand galaxy evolution during cluster growth.

Contribution

This paper introduces the GLACE survey and presents initial results, highlighting its novel use of tuneable filters for multi-redshift galaxy cluster studies.

Findings

Preliminary results on cluster Cl0024+1654 at z=0.395.

Successful mapping of optical lines in multiple clusters.

Ongoing and upcoming observations at higher redshifts.

Abstract

Aimed at understanding the evolution of galaxies in clusters, the GLACE survey is mapping a set of optical lines ([OII]3727, [OIII]5007, Hbeta and Halpha/[NII] when possible) in several galaxy clusters at redshift around 0.40, 0.63 and 0.86, using the Tuneable Filters (TF) of the OSIRIS instrument (Cepa et al. 2005) at the 10.4m GTC telescope. This study will address key questions about the physical processes acting upon the infalling galaxies during the course of hierarchical growth of clusters. GLACE is already ongoing: we present some preliminary results on our observations of the galaxy cluster Cl0024+1654 at z = 0.395; on the other hand, GLACE@0.86 has been approved as ESO/GTC large project to be started in 2011.