Spitzer Space Telescope - Theoretical Research Proposal #30183


Infrared Predictions from Simulations of Merging Galaxies

Principal Investigator: Patrik Jonsson
           Institution: University of California, Santa Cruz

Co-Investigators: 
T.J. Cox, Harvard University/CfA                                      
Brent Groves, Max-Planck Institute for Astrophysics                   
Jennifer Lotz, NOAO                                                   
Joel Primack, University of California, Santa Cruz                    

Science Category: interacting/merging galaxies 
Dollars Approved: 100145.0 

Abstract:
We propose to develop a radiative-transfer model which can create
panchromatic simulated observations from hydrodynamic simulations.
With such a model it will be possible to make detailed predictions of
Spitzer observations such as IRAC/MIPS fluxes and IRS spectra.  The
model, which will be based on a new Monte-Carlo implementation
enabling unprecedented spectral resolution, will include a
photoionization model of star-forming regions, PAH emission and
dust-induced infrared spectral features like silicate absorption.  We
will then use this model in our ongoing program of simulating
interacting and merging galaxies and generate a public library of IR
images and spectra which can be compared directly to Spitzer
observations of interacting galaxies.  The particular strength of
these simulations is the inherent connection between the dynamical
state of the galaxies, such as morphology and star-formation rate, and
the predicted infrared luminosities, colors and spectral features.
Using these outputs, we will investigate whether observed IR-luminous
galaxies at redshifts around 1, as observed in recent deep redshift
surveys, and galaxies at higher redshift, as seen by SCUBA, are
merger-driven starbursts.