Luminous Infrared Starbursts in a Cluster of Galaxies

Abstract

Analysing mid--infrared ISOCAM images of the cluster of galaxies J1888.16CL, we identified among its members several particularly active galaxies with total infrared luminosities well above 10^{11} Lsun. If powered by dust enshrouded starbursts, as suggested by their optical spectra, these Luminous Infrared Galaxies would exhibit star formation rates surprisingly high in the cluster environment. The triggering mechanism is unclear but could be tidal collisions within sub-structures or infalling groups.

5 pages, 2 figures, proceedings of the IAU Colloquium 195, "Outskirts of Galaxy Clusters: intense life in the suburbs", A. Diafero, ed