MC^2: Galaxy Imaging and Redshift Analysis of the Merging Cluster CIZA J2242.8+5301

Understand

X-ray and radio observations of CIZA J2242.8+5301 suggest that it is a major cluster merger.

• Despite being well studied in the X-ray, and radio, little has been presented on the cluster structure and dynamics inferred from its galaxy population.
• We carried out a deep (i<25) broad band imaging survey of the system with Subaru SuprimeCam (g & i bands) and the Canada France Hawaii Telescope (r band) as well as a comprehensive spectroscopic survey of the cluster area (505 redshifts) using Keck DEIMOS.
• We use this data to perform a comprehensive galaxy/redshift analysis of the system, which is the first step to a proper understanding the geometry and dynamics of the merger, as well as using the merger to constrain self-interacting dark matter.