The Color-Magnitude Relation of Cluster Galaxies: Observations and Model Predictions

TL;DR

This paper combines cosmological simulations and semi-analytic models to study the physical origins of the color-magnitude relation in cluster galaxies, comparing results with observations of the Antlia cluster.

Contribution

It introduces a methodology integrating simulations and semi-analytic models to explain the physical processes behind the CMR in galaxy clusters.

Findings

Simulations agree well with observed CMR in the Antlia cluster.

The model reveals key physical processes shaping the CMR.

Results support the role of galaxy evolution mechanisms in establishing the CMR.

Abstract

We investigate the origin of the color-magnitude relation (CMR) observed in cluster galaxies by using a combination of cosmological N-body/SPH simulations of galaxy clusters, and a semi-analaytic model of galaxy formation (Lagos, Cora & Padilla 2008). Simulated results are compared with the photometric properties of early-type galaxies in the Antlia cluster (Smith Castelli et al. 2008). The good agreement obtained between observations and simulations allows us to use the information provided by the model for unveiling the physical processes that yield the tigh observed CMR.