Project description
First systematic study of intracluster light could offer clues on galaxy formation and evolution
A substantial fraction of stars in a galaxy cluster are not gravitationally bound to any particular galaxy, producing a diffuse glow which is called intracluster light (ICL). Detailed studies on the properties of ICL could reveal more about the formation and evolution of clusters of galaxies and improve their scaling relations. The EU-funded CICLE project is testing the first robust algorithm free of a priori assumptions to analyse images of galaxy clusters and measure ICL properties. Its goal is to conduct the first systematic study of ICL in galaxy clusters using this algorithm, which is called CHEFs IntraCluster Light Estimator, and high-quality data collected by the Javalambre Physics of the Accelerating Universe Astrophysical Survey (J-PAS) and the Hubble Space Telescope.
Objective
The intracluster light (ICL) is defined as the luminous component of the clusters of galaxies which is formed by stars that are gravitationally bound to the cluster potential but do not belong to any galaxy in particular. Its properties give insights on cluster formation and evolution, determine the dynamical stage of the system, estimate its age, improve scaling relations, and constrain the cosmological parameters. Its study is limited because the ICL has a very low surface brightness and traditional techniques assume different a priori hypotheses that bias the final results. As a consequence, ICL studies are rare and often draw inconsistent (or even contradictory) conclusions and results.
We developed and tested successfully the first algorithm to analyze images of galaxy clusters and measure ICL properties completely free of a priori assumptions, called CICLE. CICLE gathers mathematical tools of image modelling and characterisation, and algorithms of multiresolution analysis. Some of these tools were developed in-house and are multidisciplinar.
Our goal is to carry out the first extensive, systematic, and consistent study of the ICL in groups and clusters of galaxies using CICLE and high-quality data from HST and the J-PAS project. We plan to split the study in three subprojects, according to the characteristics of the systems: i) massive clusters, ii) non-massive clusters and groups, and iii) fossil groups. This work would report: a) observationally, images and data of high scientific impact, attractive to different astronomical areas, b) analytically, new and versatile techniques of big data analysis, with potential to be widely used not only in Astronomy but also in other fields as Geophysics, Medicine, or Biochemistry, and c) scientifically, the first unbiased and large-scale characterization of the ICL and the discovery of the effect of this component on the process of formation and evolution of clusters of galaxies, still unknown.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry
- natural sciences computer and information sciences data science big data
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences geophysics
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
28006 Madrid
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.