Grism Lens-Amplified Survey From Space Research Articles

The KMOS Lens-Amplified Spectroscopic Survey (KLASS): kinematics and clumpiness of low-mass galaxies at cosmic noon

ABSTRACT We present results from the KMOS Lens-Amplified Spectroscopic Survey (KLASS), an ESO Very Large Telescope (VLT) large program using gravitational lensing to study the spatially resolved kinematics of 44 star-forming galaxies at 0.6 < z < 2.3 with a stellar mass of 8.1 < log(M⋆/M⊙) < 11.0. These galaxies are located behind six galaxy clusters selected from the Hubble Space Telescope Grism Lens-Amplified Survey from Space (GLASS). We find that the majority of the galaxies show a rotating disc, but most of the rotation-dominated galaxies only have a low υ rot/σ0 ratio (median of υrot/σ0 ∼ 2.5). We explore the Tully–Fisher relation by adopting the circular velocity, $V_{\mathrm{ circ}}=(\upsilon _{\mathrm{ rot}}^2+3.4\sigma _0^2)^{1/2}$, to account for pressure support. We find that our sample follows a Tully–Fisher relation with a positive zero-point offset of +0.18 dex compared to the local relation, consistent with more gas-rich galaxies that still have to convert most of their gas into stars. We find a strong correlation between the velocity dispersion and stellar mass in the KLASS sample. When combining our data to other surveys from the literature, we see an increase of the velocity dispersion with stellar mass at all redshift. We obtain an increase of υrot/σ0 with stellar mass at 0.5 < z < 1.0. This could indicate that massive galaxies settle into regular rotating discs before the low-mass galaxies. For higher redshift (z > 1), we find a weak increase or flat trend. We find no clear trend between the rest-frame UV clumpiness and the velocity dispersion and υrot/σ0. This could suggest that the kinematic properties of galaxies evolve after the clumps formed in the galaxy disc or that the clumps can form in different physical conditions.

The Grism Lens-Amplified Survey from Space (GLASS) – XIII. G800L optical spectra from the parallel fields

ABSTRACT We present a catalogue of 22 755 objects with slitless, optical, Hubble Space Telescope (HST) spectroscopy from the Grism Lens-Amplified Survey from Space (GLASS). The data cover ∼220 sq. arcmin to 7-orbit (∼10 ks) depth in 20 parallel pointings of the Advanced Camera for Survey’s G800L grism. The fields are located 6 arcmin away from 10 massive galaxy clusters in the HFF and CLASH footprints. 13 of the fields have ancillary HST imaging from these or other programs to facilitate a large number of applications, from studying metal distributions at z ∼ 0.5, to quasars at z ∼ 4, to the star formation histories of hundreds of galaxies in between. The spectroscopic catalogue has a median redshift of 〈z〉 = 0.60 with a median uncertainty of $\Delta z / (1+z)\lesssim 2{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ at $F814\mathit{ W}\lesssim 23$ AB. Robust continuum detections reach a magnitude fainter. The 5 σ limiting line flux is $f_{\rm lim}\approx 5\times 10^{-17}\rm ~erg~s^{-1}~cm^{-2}$ and half of all sources have 50 per cent of pixels contaminated at ≲1 per cent. All sources have 1D and 2D spectra, line fluxes/uncertainties and identifications, redshift probability distributions, spectral models, and derived narrow-band emission-line maps from the Grism Redshift and Line Analysis tool (grizli). We provide other basic sample characterizations, show data examples, and describe sources and potential investigations of interest. All data and products will be available online along with software to facilitate their use.

The Grism Lens-amplified Survey from Space (GLASS). XII. Spatially Resolved Galaxy Star Formation Histories and True Evolutionary Paths at z > 1*

Abstract Modern data empower observers to describe galaxies as the spatially and biographically complex objects they are. We illustrate this through case studies of four z ∼ 1.3 systems based on deep, spatially resolved, 17-band + G102 + G141 Hubble Space Telescope grism spectrophotometry. Using full-spectrum rest-UV/-optical continuum fitting, we characterize these galaxies’ observed ∼kpc-scale structures and star formation rates (SFRs) and reconstruct their history over the age of the universe. The sample’s diversity—passive to vigorously star-forming; stellar masses log / = 10.5 to 11.2—enables us to draw spatiotemporal inferences relevant to key areas of parameter space (Milky Way– to super-M31–mass progenitors). Specifically, we find signs that bulge mass fractions (B/T) and SF history shapes/spatial uniformity are linked, such that higher B/Ts correlate with “inside-out growth” and central specific SFRs that peaked above the global average for all star-forming galaxies at that epoch. Conversely, the system with the lowest B/T had a flat, spatially uniform SFH with normal peak activity. Both findings are consistent with models positing a feedback-driven connection between bulge formation and the switch from rising to falling SFRs (“quenching”). While sample size forces this conclusion to remain tentative, this work provides a proof-of-concept for future efforts to refine or refute it: JWST, WFIRST, and the 30 m class telescopes will routinely produce data amenable to this and more sophisticated analyses. Such samples spanning representative mass, redshift, SFR, and environmental regimes will be ripe for converting into thousands of subgalactic-scale empirical windows on what individual systems actually looked like in the past, ushering in a new dialogue between observation and theory.

Metal Deficiency in Two Massive Dead Galaxies at z ∼ 2

Abstract Local massive early-type galaxies are believed to have completed most of their star formation ∼10 Gyr ago and evolved without having substantial star formation since that time. If so, their progenitors should have roughly solar stellar metallicities (Z *), comparable to their values today. We report the discovery of two lensed massive ( log M * / M ⊙ ∼ 11 ), z ∼ 2.2 dead galaxies that appear markedly metal deficient given this scenario. Using 17-band HST+K s +Spitzer photometry and deep Hubble Space Telescope (HST) grism spectra from the Grism Lens Amplified Survey from Space (GLASS) and supernova (SN) Refsdal follow-up campaigns covering features near λ rest ∼ 4000 Å, we find these systems to be dominated by A-type stars with log Z * / Z ⊙ = − 0.40 ± 0.02 and −0.49 ± 0.03 (30%–40% solar) under standard assumptions. The second system’s lower metallicity is robust to isochrone changes, though this choice can drive the first system’s from log Z * / Z ⊙ = − 0.6 to 0.1. If these two galaxies are representative of larger samples, this finding suggests that evolutionary paths other than dry minor merging are required for these massive galaxies. Future analyses with direct metallicity measurements—e.g., by the James Webb Space Telescope—will provide critical insight into the nature of such phenomena.

The Grism Lens-Amplified Survey from Space (GLASS). XI. Detection of C iv in Multiple Images of the z = 6.11 Lyα Emitter behind RXC J2248.7–4431

Abstract The C iii] and C iv rest-frame UV emission lines are powerful probes of the ionization states of galaxies. They have furthermore been suggested as alternatives for spectroscopic redshift confirmation of objects at the epoch of reionization ( ), where the most frequently used redshift indicator, Lyα, is attenuated by the high fraction of neutral hydrogen in the intergalactic medium. However, currently only very few confirmations of carbon UV lines at these high redshifts exist, making it challenging to quantify these claims. Here, we present the detection of C iv λλ1548, 1551 Å in Hubble Space Telescope slitless grism spectroscopy obtained by GLASS of a Lyα emitter at z = 6.11 multiply imaged by the massive foreground galaxy cluster RXC J2248.7–4431. The C iv emission is detected at the 3σ–5σ level in two images of the source, with marginal detection in two other images. We do not detect significant C iii]λλ1907, 1909 Å emission implying an equivalent width Å (1σ) and (2σ). Combined with limits on the rest-frame UV flux from the He ii λ1640 Å emission line and the O iii]λλ1661, 1666 Å doublet, we put constraints on the metallicity and the ionization state of the galaxy. The estimated line ratios and equivalent widths do not support a scenario where an AGN is responsible for ionizing the carbon atoms. SED fits, including nebular emission lines, imply a source with a mass of log(M/M ⊙) ∼ 9, SFR of around 10 M ⊙ yr−1, and a young stellar population old. The source shows a stronger ionizing radiation field than objects with detected C iv emission at and adds to the growing sample of low-mass (log(M/M ⊙) ≲ 9) galaxies at the epoch of reionization with strong radiation fields from star formation.

The Grism Lens-Amplified Survey from Space (GLASS). VIII. The Influence of the Cluster Properties on Hα Emitter Galaxies at 0.3 < z < 0.7

Abstract Exploiting the data of the Grism Lens-Amplified Survey from Space (GLASS), we characterize the spatial distribution of star formation in 76 highly active star-forming galaxies in 10 clusters at . All of these galaxies are likely restricted to first infall. In a companion paper, we contrast the properties of field and cluster galaxies, whereas here we correlate the properties of Hα emitters to a number of tracers of the cluster environment to investigate its role in driving galaxy transformations. Hα emitters are found in the clusters out to 0.5 virial radii, the maximum radius covered by GLASS. The peak of the Hα emission is offset with respect to the peak of the UV continuum. We decompose these offsets into a radial and a tangential component. The radial component points away from the cluster center in 60% of the cases, with 95% confidence. The decompositions agree with cosmological simulations; that is, the Hα emission offset correlates with galaxy velocity and ram-pressure stripping signatures. Trends between Hα emitter properties and surface mass density distributions and X-ray emissions emerge only for unrelaxed clusters. The lack of strong correlations with the global environment does not allow us to identify a unique environmental effect originating from the cluster center. In contrast, correlations between Hα morphology and local number density emerge. We conclude that local effects, uncorrelated to the cluster-centric radius, play a more important role in shaping galaxy properties.

THE GRISM LENS-AMPLIFIED SURVEY FROM SPACE (GLASS). VII. THE DIVERSITY OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF STAR FORMATION IN CLUSTER AND FIELD GALAXIES AT 0.3 ≤ z ≤ 0.7

ABSTRACT Exploiting the slitless spectroscopy taken as part of the Grism Lens-Amplified Survey from Space (GLASS), we present an extended analysis of the spatial distribution of star formation in 76 galaxies in 10 clusters at . We use 85 foreground and background galaxies in the same redshift range as a field sample. The samples are well matched in stellar mass (108−1011 ) and star formation rate (0.5–50 ). We visually classify galaxies in terms of broad band morphology, Hα morphology, and likely physical process acting on the galaxy. Most Hα emitters have a spiral morphology (41% ± 8% in clusters, 51% ± 8% in the field), followed by mergers/interactions (28% ± 8%, 31% ± 7%, respectively) and early-type galaxies (remarkably as high as 29% ± 8% in clusters and 15% ± 6% in the field). A diversity of Hα morphologies is detected, suggesting a diversity of physical processes. In clusters, 30% ± 8% of the galaxies present a regular morphology, mostly consistent with star formation diffused uniformly across the stellar population (mostly in the disk component, when present). The second most common morphology (28% ± 8%) is asymmetric/jellyfish, consistent with ram-pressure stripping or other non-gravitational processes in 18% ± 8% of the cases. Ram-pressure stripping appears significantly less prominent in the field (2% ± 2%), where the most common morphology/mechanism appears to be consistent with minor gas-rich mergers or clump accretion. This work demonstrates that while environment-specific mechanisms affect galaxy evolution at this redshift, they are diverse and their effects are subtle. A full understanding of this complexity requires larger samples and detailed and spatially resolved physical models.

THE GRISM LENS-AMPLIFIED SURVEY FROM SPACE (GLASS). VI. COMPARING THE MASS AND LIGHT IN MACS J0416.1-2403 USING FRONTIER FIELD IMAGING AND GLASS SPECTROSCOPY

ABSTRACT We present a model using both strong and weak gravitational lensing of the galaxy cluster MACS J0416.1-2403, constrained using spectroscopy from the Grism Lens-Amplified Survey from Space (GLASS) and Hubble Frontier Fields (HFF) imaging data. We search for emission lines in known multiply imaged sources in the GLASS spectra, obtaining secure spectroscopic redshifts of 30 multiple images belonging to 15 distinct source galaxies. The GLASS spectra provide the first spectroscopic measurements for five of the source galaxies. The weak lensing signal is acquired from 884 galaxies in the F606W HFF image. By combining the weak lensing constraints with 15 multiple image systems with spectroscopic redshifts and nine multiple image systems with photometric redshifts, we reconstruct the gravitational potential of the cluster on an adaptive grid. The resulting map of total mass density is compared with a map of stellar mass density obtained from the deep Spitzer Frontier Fields imaging data to study the relative distribution of stellar and total mass in the cluster. We find that the projected stellar mass to total mass ratio, f ⋆, varies considerably with the stellar surface mass density. The mean projected stellar mass to total mass ratio is (stat.), but with a systematic error as large as 0.004–0.005, dominated by the choice of the initial mass function. We find agreement with several recent measurements of f ⋆ in massive cluster environments. The lensing maps of convergence, shear, and magnification are made available to the broader community in the standard HFF format.

THE GRISM LENS-AMPLIFIED SURVEY FROM SPACE (GLASS). III. A CENSUS OF Lyα EMISSION AT FROM HST SPECTROSCOPY

ABSTRACT We present a census of Lyα emission at z ≳ 7 ?> , utilizing deep near-infrared Hubble Space Telescope grism spectroscopy from the first six completed clusters of the Grism Lens-Amplified Survey from Space (GLASS). In 24/159 photometrically selected galaxies we detect emission lines consistent with Lyα in the GLASS spectra. Based on the distribution of signal-to-noise ratios and on simulations, we expect the completeness and the purity of the sample to be 40%–100% and 60%–90%, respectively. For the objects without detected emission lines we show that the observed (not corrected for lensing magnification) 1σ flux limits reach 5 × 10−18 erg s−1 cm−2 per position angle over the full wavelength range of GLASS (0.8–1.7 μm). Based on the conditional probability of Lyα emission measured from the ground at z ∼ 7 ?> , we would have expected 12–18 Lyα emitters. This is consistent with the number of detections, within the uncertainties, confirming the drop in Lyα emission with respect to z ∼ 6 ?> . Deeper follow-up spectroscopy, here exemplified by Keck spectroscopy, is necessary to improve our estimates of completeness and purity and to confirm individual candidates as true Lyα emitters. These candidates include a promising source at z = 8.1. The spatial extent of Lyα in a deep stack of the most convincing Lyα emitters with ⟨ z ⟩ = 7.2 ?> is consistent with that of the rest-frame UV continuum. Extended Lyα emission, if present, has a surface brightness below our detection limit, consistent with the properties of lower-redshift comparison samples. From the stack we estimate upper limits on rest-frame UV emission line ratios and find f C IV / f Ly &agr; ≲ 0.32 ?> and f C III ] / f Ly &agr; ≲ 0.23 ?> , in good agreement with other values published in the literature.

THE GRISM LENS-AMPLIFIED SURVEY FROM SPACE (GLASS). V. EXTENT AND SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF STAR FORMATION INz∼ 0.5 CLUSTER GALAXIES

We present the first study of the spatial distribution of star formation in z~0.5 cluster galaxies. The analysis is based on data taken with the Wide Field Camera 3 as part of the Grism Lens-Amplified Survey from Space (GLASS). We illustrate the methodology by focusing on two clusters (MACS0717.5+3745 and MACS1423.8+2404) with different morphologies (one relaxed and one merging) and use foreground and background galaxies as field control sample. The cluster+field sample consists of 42 galaxies with stellar masses in the range 10^8-10^11 M_sun, and star formation rates in the range 1-20 M_sun/yr. Both in clusters and in the field, H{\alpha} is more extended than the rest-frame UV continuum in 60% of the cases, consistent with diffuse star formation and inside out growth. In ~20% of the cases, the H{\alpha} emission appears more extended in cluster galaxies than in the field, pointing perhaps to ionized gas being stripped and/or star formation being enhanced at large radii. The peak of the H{\alpha} emission and that of the continuum are offset by less than 1 kpc. We investigate trends with the hot gas density as traced by the X-ray emission, and with the surface mass density as inferred from gravitational lens models and find no conclusive results. The diversity of morphologies and sizes observed in H_alpha illustrates the complexity of the environmental process that regulate star formation. Upcoming analysis of the full GLASS dataset will increase our sample size by almost an order of magnitude, verifying and strengthening the inference from this initial dataset.

THE GRISM LENS-AMPLIFIED SURVEY FROM SPACE (GLASS). I. SURVEY OVERVIEW AND FIRST DATA RELEASE

We give an overview of the Grism Lens Amplified Survey from Space (GLASS), a large Hubble Space Telescope program aimed at obtaining grism spectroscopy of the fields of ten massive clusters of galaxies at redshift z=0.308-0.686, including the Hubble Frontier Fields (HFF). The Wide Field Camera 3 yields near infrared spectra of the cluster cores, covering the wavelength range 0.81-1.69mum through grisms G102 and G141, while the Advanced Camera for Surveys in parallel mode provides G800L spectra of the infall regions of the clusters. The WFC3 spectra are taken at two almost orthogonal position angles in order to minimize the effects of confusion. After summarizing the scientific drivers of GLASS, we describe the sample selection as well as the observing strategy and data processing pipeline. We then utilize MACSJ0717.5+3745, a HFF cluster and the first one observed by GLASS, to illustrate the data quality and the high-level data products. Each spectrum brighter than H_AB=23 is visually inspected by at least two co-authors and a redshift is measured when sufficient information is present in the spectra. Furthermore, we conducted a thorough search for emission lines through all the GLASS WFC3 spectra with the aim of measuring redshifts for sources with continuum fainter than H_AB=23. We provide a catalog of 139 emission-line based spectroscopic redshifts for extragalactic sources, including three new redshifts of multiple image systems (one probable, two tentative). In addition to the data itself we also release software tools that are helpful to navigate the data.

THE GRISM LENS-AMPLIFIED SURVEY FROM SPACE (GLASS). IV. MASS RECONSTRUCTION OF THE LENSING CLUSTER ABELL 2744 FROM FRONTIER FIELD IMAGING AND GLASS SPECTROSCOPY

We present a strong and weak lensing reconstruction of the massive cluster Abell 2744, the first cluster for which deep Hubble Frontier Field (HFF) images and spectroscopy from the Grism Lens-Amplified Survey from Space (GLASS) are available. By performing a targeted search for emission lines in multiply imaged sources using the GLASS spectra, we obtain 5 high-confidence spectroscopic redshifts and 2 tentative ones. We confirm 1 strongly lensed system by detecting the same emission lines in all 3 multiple images. We also search for additional line emitters blindly and use the full GLASS spectroscopic catalog to test reliability of photometric redshifts for faint line emitters. We see a reasonable agreement between our photometric and spectroscopic redshift measurements, when including nebular emission in photometric redshift estimations. We introduce a stringent procedure to identify only secure multiple image sets based on colors, morphology, and spectroscopy. By combining 7 multiple image systems with secure spectroscopic redshifts (at 5 distinct redshift planes) with 18 multiple image systems with secure photometric redshifts, we reconstruct the gravitational potential of the cluster pixellated on an adaptive grid, using a total of 72 images. The resulting mass map is compared with a stellar mass map obtained from the deep Spitzer Frontier Fields data to study the relative distribution of stars and dark matter in the cluster. We find that the stellar to total mass ratio varies substantially across the cluster field, suggesting that stars do not trace exactly the total mass in this interacting system. The maps of convergence, shear, and magnification are made available in the standard HFF format.

GLASS: The Grism Lens-Amplified Survey From Space. HST Grism Spectroscopy of the Frontier Fields

AbstractThe Grism Lens-Amplified Survey From Space (GLASS) is a 140 orbit spectroscopic survey of 10 massive galaxy clusters, including the six Hubble Frontier Fields. GLASS has observed the cluster cores with the HST-WFC3 G102 and G141 grisms providing a wide wavelength coverage in the near-infrared from roughly 0.8–1.7μm. The parallel fields were observed through the optical ACS G800L grism. Taking advantage of the lensing magnification of the clusters, GLASS reaches intrinsic spectroscopic 1σ flux limits of roughly 10-18erg/s/cm2 and improved spatial resolution for lensed sources behind the clusters. These features are particularly useful for the three main science drivers of GLASS which are, I) exploring the universe at the epoch of reionization, II) describe how metals cycle in and out of galaxies, and III) asses the environmental dependence of galaxy evolution. The former two benefit highly from the improved depth and increased resolution provided by the cluster lensing. Apart from the main science drivers, a slew of ancillary science has been enabled by the survey, including improving cluster lens modeling and searches for supernovae. Here we present the survey and the GLASS data releases, which are continuously being made available to the community through https://archive.stsci.edu/prepds/glass/. For further information we refer to Schmidt et al. (2014), Treu et al. (2015), and http://glass.physics.ucsb.edu.

Probing Reionization at z ≳ 7 with HST's Near-Infrared Grisms

AbstractThe epoch of reionization, i.e. the phase transition of the inter-galactic medium from neutral to fully ionized, is essential for our understanding of the evolution of the Universe and the formation of the first stars and galaxies. The Grism Lens-Amplified Survey from Space (GLASS) has obtained spectra of ten thousands of objects in and behind 10 massive galaxy clusters, including the six Hubble Frontier Fields. The grism spectroscopy from GLASS results in hundreds of spectra of z ≳ 7 galaxy candidates. Taking advantage of the lensing magnification from the foreground clusters, the GLASS spectra reaches unprecedented depths in the near-infrared with observed flux limits of ~ 5 × 10−18erg/s/cm2 before correcting for the lens magnification. This has resulted in several Lyα detections at z ~ 7 and tight limits on the emission line fluxes for non-detections. From an ensemble of different photometric selections, we have assembled more than 150 z ≳ 7 galaxy candidates from six of the ten GLASS clusters. Among these more than 20 objects show emission lines consistent with being Lyα at z ≳ 7. The spatial extent of Lyα estimated from a stack of the most promising Lyα emitters at 〈z〉 = 7.2 is consistent with the spatial extent of the UV continuum emission. From the stack we obtain upper limits on the emission line ratios between prominent rest-frame UV emission lines, finding that fCIV/fLyα ≲ 0.32 and fCIII]/fLyα ≲ 0.23 in good agreement with values published in the literature.

Mapping the spatial distribution of star formation in cluster galaxies at z ~ 0.5 with the Grism Lens-Amplified Survey from Space (GLASS)

AbstractWe present the first study of the spatial distribution of star formation in z ~ 0.5 cluster galaxies. The analysis is based on data taken with the Wide Field Camera 3 as part of the Grism Lens-Amplified Survey from Space (GLASS). We illustrate the methodology by focusing on two clusters (MACS0717.5+3745 and MACS1423.8+2404) with different morphologies (one relaxed and one merging) and use foreground and background galaxies as field control sample. The cluster+field sample consists of 42 galaxies with stellar masses in the range 108-1011M⊙, and star formation rates in the range 1-20 M⊙yr−1. In both environments, Hα is more extended than the rest-frame UV continuum in 60% of the cases, consistent with diffuse star formation and inside out growth. The Hα emission appears more extended in cluster galaxies than in the field, pointing perhaps to ionized gas being stripped and/or star formation being enhanced at large radii. The peak of the Hα emission and that of the continuum are offset by less than 1 kpc. We investigate trends with the hot gas density as traced by the X-ray emission, and with the surface mass density as inferred from gravitational lens models and find no conclusive results. The diversity of morphologies and sizes observed in Hα illustrates the complexity of the environmental process that regulate star formation.

Spatially resolved spectroscopy of lensed galaxies in the Frontier Fields

AbstractThe Grism Lens-Amplified Survey from Space (GLASS) has obtained slitless near-infrared spectroscopy of 10 galaxy clusters selected for their strong lensing properties, including all six Hubble Frontier Fields. Slitless grism spectra are ideal for mapping emission lines such as [O ii], [O iii], and Hα at z=1–3. The combination of strong gravitational lensing and Hubble's diffraction limit provides excellent sensitivity with spatial resolution as fine as 100 pc for highly magnified sources, and ~500 pc for less magnified sources near the edge of the field of view. The GLASS survey represents the largest spectroscopic sample with such high resolution at z > 1. GLASS and Hubble Frontier Field data provide the distribution of stellar mass, star formation, gas-phase metallicity, and other aspects of the physical structure of high redshift galaxies, reaching stellar masses as low as ~107 M⊙ at z=2. I discuss precise measurements of these physical properties and implications for galaxy evolution.

Revisiting Abell 2744: a powerful synergy of GLASS spectroscopy and HFF photometry

AbstractWe present new emission line identifications and improve the lensing reconstruction of the mass distribution of galaxy cluster Abell 2744 using the Grism Lens-Amplified Survey from Space (GLASS) spectroscopy and the Hubble Frontier Fields (HFF) imaging. We performed blind and targeted searches for faint line emitters on all objects, including the arc sample, within the field of view (FoV) of GLASS prime pointings. We report 55 high quality spectroscopic redshifts, 5 of which are for arc images. We also present an extensive analysis based on the HFF photometry, measuring the colors and photometric redshifts of all objects within the FoV, and comparing the spectroscopic and photometric redshift estimates. In order to improve the lens model of Abell 2744, we develop a rigorous algorithm to screen arc images, based on their colors and morphology, and selecting the most reliable ones to use. As a result, 25 systems (corresponding to 72 images) pass the screening process and are used to reconstruct the gravitational potential of the cluster pixellated on an adaptive mesh. The resulting total mass distribution is compared with a stellar mass map obtained from the Spitzer Frontier Fields data in order to study the relative distribution of stars and dark matter in the cluster.

THEGRISM LENS-AMPLIFIED SURVEY FROM SPACE(GLASS). II. GAS-PHASE METALLICITY AND RADIAL GRADIENTS IN AN INTERACTING SYSTEM ATZ≃ 2

We present spatially resolved gas-phase metallicity for a system of three galaxies at z=1.85 detected in the Grism Lens-Amplified Survey from Space (GLASS). The combination of HST's diffraction limit and strong gravitational lensing by the cluster MACS J0717+3745 results in a spatial resolution of ~200-300 pc, enabling good spatial sampling despite the intrinsically small galaxy sizes. The galaxies in this system are separated by 50-200 kpc in projection and are likely in an early stage of interaction, evidenced by relatively high specific star formation rates. Their gas-phase metallicities are consistent with larger samples at similar redshift, star formation rate, and stellar mass. We obtain a precise measurement of the metallicity gradient for one galaxy and find a shallow slope compared to isolated galaxies at high redshift, consistent with a flattening of the gradient due to gravitational interaction. An alternative explanation for the shallow metallicity gradient and elevated star formation rate is rapid recycling of metal-enriched gas, but we find no evidence for enhanced gas-phase metallicities which should result from this effect. Notably, the measured stellar masses log(M/Msun) = 7.2-9.1 probe to an order of magnitude below previous mass-metallicity studies at this redshift. The lowest mass galaxy has properties similar to those expected for Fornax at this redshift, indicating that GLASS is able to directly study the progenitors of local group dwarf galaxies on spatially resolved scales. Larger samples from the full GLASS survey will be ideal for studying the effects of feedback, and the time evolution of metallicity gradients. These initial results demonstrate the utility of HST spectroscopy combined with gravitational lensing for characterizing resolved physical properties of galaxies at high redshift.

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS: HST SPECTROSCOPY OF FAINT GALAXIES LENSED BY THE FRONTIER FIELDS CLUSTER MACSJ0717.5+3745

The Grism Lens-Amplified Survey from Space (GLASS) is a Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Large Program, which will obtain 140 orbits of grism spectroscopy of the core and infall regions of 10 galaxy clusters, selected to be among the very best cosmic telescopes. Extensive HST imaging is available from many sources including the CLASH and Frontier Fields programs. We introduce the survey by analyzing spectra of faint multiply-imaged galaxies and $z\gtrsim6$ galaxy candidates obtained from the first seven orbits out of fourteen targeting the core of the Frontier Fields cluster MACS0717.5+3745. Using the G102 and G141 grisms to cover the wavelength range 0.8-1.7$\mu$m, we confirm 4 strongly lensed systems by detecting emission lines in each of the images. For the 9 $z\gtrsim6$ galaxy candidates clear from contamination, we do not detect any emission lines down to a seven-orbit 1$\sigma$ noise level of $\sim$5$\times$10$^{-18}$erg s$^{-1}$cm$^{-2}$. Taking lensing magnification into account, our flux sensitivity reaches $\sim$0.2-5$\times$10$^{-18}$erg s$^{-1}$cm$^{-2}$. These limits over an uninterrupted wavelength range rule out the possibility that the high-$z$ galaxy candidates are instead strong line emitters at lower redshift. These results show that by means of careful modeling of the background - and with the assistance of lensing magnification - interesting flux limits can be reached for large numbers of objects, avoiding pre-selection and the wavelength restrictions inherent to ground-based multi-slit spectroscopy. These observations confirm the power of slitless HST spectroscopy even in fields as crowded as a cluster core.