Experimental Design

The GOGREEN survey is built on two large efforts to acquire the data we need to understand galaxy evolution at 1<z<1.5.  The core of the survey is the deep, extensive multiobject spectroscopy being conducted with the Gemini Observatories.  The spectroscopy allows us to measure redshifts and thus determine cluster membership and dynamical properties of the host clusters.  We can also learn about the stellar populations of these galaxies from features in their spectra.  Equally important, however, is deep imaging spanning from the u-band to 3.6μm.  Even with our Gemini Large Program, the spectroscopy only samples a fraction of the member galaxies in these systems, and photometric redshifts – carefully calibrated from the spectroscopy – are critical for an accurate census of the galaxy population.  Moreover the photometry is essential for classifying the galaxies based on their stellar masses and star formation histories.  Learn more about these two closely related programs, by following the links below.

GMOS Spectroscopy
Optical/IR Imaging