University of British Columbia
Towards a complete NIR/MIR view of the circumgalactic medium of a brightest cluster galaxy at z=0.4 — This project targets a cool-core brightest cluster galaxy where JWST Cycle 2 data revealed warm H2 and clumpy PAH emission in the circumgalactic medium, likely from jet-driven shocks. Using full NIRSpec and MIRI/MRS IFU coverage (2-28 µm), the project will map gas temperature, excitation and ionization to study how shocks, turbulence and feedback regulate star formation and molecular gas survival. Combined with ALMA, VLA and Chandra data, it will provide the first spatially resolved view of the baryon cycle in a BCG and its cold CGM.