Exploring Star Formation in Cluster Galaxies

Clifford Hall, Room 210

We describe our survey to map the star formation activity in cluster galaxies. A sample of galaxy clusters is observed using the KPNO 4m telescope. Redshifted H-alpha emission is observed using the narrow-band BATC filters. The continuum-subtracted H-alpha images allow us to constrain the star formation rate by measuring H-alpha luminosity. The impact of the cluster environment can be quantified using radial-dependent measures of the star formation rate. This will allow us to understand the mechanism responsible for the enhancement or quenching of star formation.