E+A Galaxies in and Around Nearby Rich Clusters of Galaxies

Abstract

Abstract We have spectroscopically identified 600 new E+A galaxies and candidates across 16 fields totaling roughly 480 square degrees in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. E+A galaxies are post-starburst systems that have undergone a significant burst of star formation within the past 1–2 Gyr and are now fully quenched. They comprise a small population that is key to understanding the transition from star-forming to quiescent galaxies. Our survey focused on four nearby rich clusters of galaxies and their surroundings: Virgo, Coma, Leo, and Hercules. 356 candidates were identified in the clusters, and an additional 244 were identified in control fields or otherwise outside cluster bounds. Understanding the distribution and dynamics of the E+As has the potential to shed light on the evolutionary mechanisms present within nearby cluster environments. In this note, we give a brief overview of our selection processes and locations, and report on ongoing analyses of the sample.