Photometric properties of galaxies in groups and clusters and the search for diffuse light

• Grant number: 23/06669-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2023
• End date: July 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Astronomy - Extragalactic Astrophysics
• Principal Investigator: Gastão Cesar Bierrenbach Lima Neto
• Grantee: Antonio Mantovani
• Host Institution: Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas (IAG). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In this "Scientific Initiation" work, the surface brightness of the brightest galaxies in groups and clusters will be studied, as well as the diffuse light from the intra-cluster/intra-group environment. The origin of the diffuse light, usually associated with the stellar envelope of the brightest galaxies, comes from the population of stars torn out from galaxies by tidal effects and, therefore, their morphology and composition must reflect details of the evolution of galaxies in groups and clusters. For this study, the student will learn astrophysics related to the formation of large structures, the interaction between galaxies and clusters and two-dimensional photometry techniques using the Galfit software.