The National Science Foundation Division of Astronomical Sciences awarded the University of California Santa Cruz a $279,069 Project Grant under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences federal grant program (CFDA 47.049). The grant will fund a collaborative research project between University of the Pacific and University of California Santa Cruz to use spectroscopic observations of globular clusters to study the dark matter content and assembly history of the Virgo Cluster of galaxies. Specifically, the researchers will determine the dark matter content of dwarf early-type and ultra-diffuse galaxies, test the dynamical friction scenario for the formation of galaxy nuclei from mergers of globular clusters, and analyze cluster-centric radial trends to understand the effects of the cluster environment on stellar populations. The award will also support involvement of high school, undergraduate, and minority students in research experiences relating to the project and participation in public outreach events focused on Hispanic and Latino communities.
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