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Context. Observational studies have widely demonstrated that galaxy physical properties are strongly affected by the surrounding environment. On one side, gas inflows provide galaxies with new fuel for star formation. On the other side, the high temperatures and densities of the medium are expected to induce quenching in the star formation. Observations of large structures, in particular filaments at the cluster outskirts (r > 2r200), are currently limited to the low redshift Universe. Deep and wide photometric data, better if combined with spectroscopic redshifts, are required to explore several scenarios on galaxy evolution at intermediate redshift. Aims. We present a multi-band dataset for the cluster MACS J0416.1-2403 (z = 0.397), observed in the context of the Galaxy Assembly as a function of Mass and Environment with the VLT Survey Telescope (VST-GAME) survey. The project is aimed at gathering deep (r < 24.4) and wide (approx. 20x20 Mpc2) observations at optical (u, ɡ, r, i, VST) wavelengths for six massive galaxy clusters at 0.2 < z < 0.6, complemented with near-infrared data (Y, J, Ks, VISTA, ESO public survey GCAV). The aim is to investigate galaxy evolution in a wide range of stellar masses and environmental conditions. This work describes the photometric analysis of the cluster and the definition of a density field, which will be a key ingredient for further studies on galaxy properties in the cluster outskirts. Methods. We extracted sources paying particular attention to recovering the faintest ones and simultaneously flagging point sources and sources with photometry affected by artifacts in the images. We combined all the extractions in a multiband catalog that is used to derive photometric redshifts through spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting. We then defined cluster memberships up to 5r200 from the cluster core and measure the density field, comparing galaxy properties in different environments. Results. We find that the ɡ – r colors show bimodal behaviors in all the environments, but the peak of the distribution of red galaxies shifts toward redder colors with increasing density, and the fraction of galaxies in the blue cloud increases with decreasing density. We also found three overdense regions in the cluster outskirts at r ~ 5r200. Galaxies in these structures have mean densities and luminosities similar to those of the cluster core. The color of galaxies suggests the presence of evolved galaxy populations, an insight into preprocessing phenomena over these substructures. We release the multiband catalog, down to the completeness limit of r < 24.4 mag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a new mass function of galaxy clusters and groups using optical/near-infrared (NIR) wavelength spectroscopic and photometric data from the Observations of Redshift Evolution in Large-Scale Environments (ORELSE) survey. At z ∼ 1, cluster mass function studies are rare regardless of wavelength and have never been attempted from an optical/NIR perspective. This work serves as a proof of concept that z ∼ 1 cluster mass functions are achievable without supplemental X-ray or Sunyaev-Zel'dovich data. Measurements of the cluster mass function provide important contraints on cosmological parameters and are complementary to other probes. With ORELSE, a new cluster finding technique based on Voronoi tessellation Monte Carlo (VMC) mapping, and rigorous purity and completeness testing, we have obtained ∼240 galaxy overdensity candidates in the redshift range 0.55 < z < 1.37 at a mass range of 13.6 < log (M/M⊙) < 14.8. This mass range is comparable to existing optical cluster mass function studies for the local universe. Our candidate numbers vary based on the choice of multiple input parameters related to detection and characterization in our cluster finding algorithm, which we incorporated into the mass function analysis through a Monte Carlo scheme. We find cosmological constraints on the matter density, Ω m , and the amplitude of fluctuations, σ8, of |$\Omega _{m} = 0.250^{+0.104}_{-0.099}$| and |$\sigma _{8} = 1.150^{+0.260}_{-0.163}$|⁠. While our Ω m value is close to concordance, our σ8 value is ∼2σ higher because of the inflated observed number densities compared to theoretical mass function models owing to how our survey targeted overdense regions. With Euclid and several other large, unbiased optical surveys on the horizon, VMC mapping will enable optical/NIR cluster cosmology at redshifts much higher than what has been possible before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The Lyman-α line in the ultraviolet (UV) and the [CII] line in the far-infrared (FIR) are widely used tools to identify galaxies in the early Universe and to obtain insights into interstellar medium (ISM) properties in high-redshift galaxies. By combining data obtained with ALMA in band 7 at ∼320 GHz as part of the ALMA Large Program to INvestigate [CII] at Early Times (ALPINE) with spectroscopic data from DEIMOS at the Keck Observatory, VIMOS and FORS2 at the Very Large Telescope, we assembled a unique sample of 53 main-sequence star-forming galaxies at 4.4 <  z <  6 in which we detect both the Lyman-α line in the UV and the [CII] line in the FIR. Aims. The goal of this paper is to constrain the properties of the Lyα emission in these galaxies in relation to other properties of the ISM. Methods. We used [CII], observed with ALMA, as a tracer of the systemic velocity of the galaxies, and we exploited the available optical spectroscopy to obtain the Lyα-[CII] and ISM-[CII] velocity offsets. Results. We find that 90% of the selected objects have Lyα-[CII] velocity offsets in the range 0 <  ΔvLyα − [CII] <  400 km s−1, in line with the few measurements available so far in the early Universe, and significantly smaller than those observed at lower redshifts. At the same time, we observe ISM-[CII] offsets in the range −500 <  ΔvISM−[CII] <  0 km s−1, in line with values at all redshifts, which we interpret as evidence for outflows in these galaxies. We find significant anticorrelations between ΔvLyα−[CII] and the Lyα rest-frame equivalent width EW0(Lyα) (or equivalently, the Lyα escape fraction fesc(Lyα)): galaxies that show smaller ΔvLyα−[CII] have larger EW0(Lyα) and fesc(Lyα). Conclusions. We interpret these results in the framework of available models for the radiative transfer of Lyα photons. According to the models, the escape of Lyα photons would be favored in galaxies with high outflow velocities, producing large EW0(Lyα) and small ΔvLyα-[CII], in agreement with our observations. The uniform shell model would also predict that the Lyα escape in galaxies with slow outflows (0 <  vout <  300 km s−1) is mainly determined by the neutral hydrogen column density (NHI) along the line of sight, while the alternative model by Steidel et al. (2010, ApJ, 717, 289) would more highly favor a combination of NHI at the systemic velocity and covering fraction as driver of the Lyα escape. We suggest that the increase in Lyα escape that is observed in the literature between z ∼ 2 and z ∼ 6 is not due to a higher incidence of fast outflows at high redshift, but rather to a decrease in average NHI along the line of sight, or alternatively, a decrease in HI covering fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present 36 spectroscopically confirmed intrinsically UV-faint Lyα-emitting galaxies from follow-up observations with Keck/DEep Imaging Multi-Object Spectrograph of gravitationally lensed high-redshift candidates. Candidates were selected to be between 5 ≲ z ≲ 7 from photometric data using Hubble Space Telescope and Spitzer imaging surveys. We performed an integrated photometric redshift probability cut >1% between 5 < z < 7 to construct a sample of 198 high-redshift objects. Our sample spans intrinsic UV luminosities from a few L* down to 0.001L*. We identified 19 high-confidence detections and 17 likely detections of Lyα. We divided our sample into lower-redshift (z ∼ 5.5) and higher-redshift (z ∼ 6.5) bins and ran Monte Carlo trials, incorporating the strengths of the Lyα emission and the photometric redshifts of the nondetections. Considering only objects where Lyα could be detected at EW(Lyα) > 25 Å at 3σ at the fiducial depth of our survey, and only those galaxies with EW(Lyα) > 25 Å, and only objects with mAB < 26.8, we found the Lyα emitter (LAE) fraction to be flat or modestly increase from 0.26 ± 0.04 to 0.30 ± 0.04. These values are consistent with a rising LAE fraction with redshift out to z ∼ 6, but at z ∼ 6.5, there is some tension between our results and results from surveys at intrinsically brighter luminosities. We conclude that intrinsically fainter galaxies have Lyα emission, and there is a steep drop in the LAE fraction from our high-redshift sample at z ∼ 6.5 and from similar galaxies at z ∼ 7.5. This likely indicates we are witnessing the tail end of the epoch of reionization, as such a drop is not expected due to changes of intrinsic galaxy properties between these redshifts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Observations of Redshift Evolution in Large-Scale Environments (ORELSE) survey is an ongoing imaging and spectroscopic campaign initially designed to study the effects of environment on galaxy evolution in high-redshift (z ∼ 1) large-scale structures. We use its rich data in combination with a powerful new technique, Voronoi tessellation Monte Carlo (VMC) mapping, to search for serendipitous galaxy overdensities at 0.55 < z < 1.37 within 15 ORELSE fields, a combined spectroscopic footprint of ∼1.4 deg2. Through extensive tests with both observational data and our own mock galaxy catalogues, we optimize the method's many free parameters to maximize its efficacy for general overdensity searches. Our overdensity search yielded 402 new overdensity candidates with precisely measured redshifts and an unprecedented sensitivity down to low total overdensity masses (⁠|$\mathcal {M}_{\mathrm{ tot}}\gtrsim5\times 10^{13}$| M⊙). Using the mock catalogues, we estimated the purity and completeness of our overdensity catalogue as a function of redshift, total mass, and spectroscopic redshift fraction, finding impressive levels of both 0.92/0.83 and 0.60/0.49 for purity/completeness at z  = 0.8 and z  = 1.2, respectively, for all overdensity masses at spectroscopic fractions of ∼20 per cent. With VMC mapping, we are able to measure precise systemic redshifts, provide an estimate of the total gravitating mass, and maintain high levels of purity and completeness at z ∼ 1 even with only moderate levels of spectroscopy. Other methods (e.g. red-sequence overdensities and hot medium reliant detections) begin to fail at similar redshifts, which attests to VMC mapping's potential to be a powerful tool for current and future wide-field galaxy evolution surveys at z ∼ 1 and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We unveil the complex shape of a proto-supercluster at z ∼ 2.45 in the COSMOS field exploiting the synergy of both spectroscopic and photometric redshifts. Thanks to the spectroscopic redshifts of the VIMOS Ultra-Deep Survey (VUDS), complemented by the zCOSMOS-Deep spectroscopic sample and high-quality photometric redshifts, we compute the three-dimensional (3D) overdensity field in a volume of ∼100 × 100 × 250 comoving Mpc3 in the central region of the COSMOS field, centred at z ∼ 2.45 along the line of sight. The method relies on a two-dimensional (2D) Voronoi tessellation in overlapping redshift slices that is converted into a 3D density field, where the galaxy distribution in each slice is constructed using a statistical treatment of both spectroscopic and photometric redshifts. In this volume, we identify a proto-supercluster, dubbed "Hyperion" for its immense size and mass, which extends over a volume of ∼60 × 60 × 150 comoving Mpc3 and has an estimated total mass of ∼4.8 × 1015M⊙. This immensely complex structure contains at least seven density peaks within 2.4 ≲ z ≲ 2.5 connected by filaments that exceed the average density of the volume. We estimate the total mass of the individual peaks, Mtot, based on their inferred average matter density, and find a range of masses from ∼0.1 × 1014M⊙ to ∼2.7 × 1014M⊙. By using spectroscopic members of each peak, we obtain the velocity dispersion of the galaxies in the peaks, and then their virial mass Mvir (under the strong assumption that they are virialised). The agreement between Mvir and Mtot is surprisingly good, at less than 1−2σ, considering that (almost all) the peaks are probably not yet virialised. According to the spherical collapse model, these peaks have already started or are about to start collapsing, and they are all predicted to be virialised by redshift z ∼ 0.8−1.6. We finally perform a careful comparison with the literature, given that smaller components of this proto-supercluster had previously been identified using either heterogeneous galaxy samples (Lyα emitters, sub-mm starbursting galaxies, CO emitting galaxies) or 3D Lyα forest tomography on a smaller area. With VUDS, we obtain, for the first time across the central ∼1 deg2 of the COSMOS field, a panoramic view of this large structure, that encompasses, connects, and considerably expands in a homogeneous way on all previous detections of the various sub-components. The characteristics of this exceptional proto-supercluster, its redshift, its richness over a large volume, the clear detection of its sub-components, together with the extensive multi-wavelength imaging and spectroscopy granted by the COSMOS field, provide us the unique possibility to study a rich supercluster in formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a study of the dependence of galaxy clustering on luminosity and stellar mass in the redshift range 2 < z < 3:5 using 3236 galaxies with robust spectroscopic redshifts from the VIMOS Ultra Deep Survey (VUDS), covering a total area of 0:92 deg2. We measured the two-point real-space correlation function wp(rp) for four volume-limited subsamples selected by stellar mass and four volume-limited subsamples selected by MUV absolute magnitude.We find that the scale-dependent clustering amplitude r0 significantly increases with increasing luminosity and stellar mass. For the least luminous galaxies (MUV < -19:0), we measured a correlation length r0= 2:87 ± 0:22 h-1 Mpc and slope γ = 1:59 ± 0:07, while for the most luminous (MUV < -20:2) r0 = 5:35 ± 0:50 h-1 Mpc and γ = 1:92 ± 0:25. These measurements correspond to a strong relative bias between these two subsamples of ▵b/b* = 0:43. Fitting a five-parameter halo occupation distribution (HOD) model, we find that the most luminous (MUV < -20:2) and massive (M* < 1010h-1 M☉) galaxies occupy the most massive dark matter haloes with ≺Mh≻ = 1012:30 h-1 M☉. Similar to the trends observed at lower redshift, the minimum halo mass Mmin depends on the luminosity and stellar mass of galaxies and grows from Mmin= 109:73 h-1 M☉ to Mmin = 1011:58 h-1 M☉ from the faintest to the brightest among our galaxy sample, respectively. We find the difference between these halo masses to be much more pronounced than is observed for local galaxies of similar properties. Moreover, at z ∼ 3, we observe that the masses at which a halo hosts, on average, one satellite and one central galaxy is M1 ≈ 4Mmin over all luminosity ranges, which is significantly lower than observed at z ∼ 0; this indicates that the halo satellite occupation increases with redshift. The luminosity and stellar mass dependence is also reflected in the measurements of the large-scale galaxy bias, which we model as bg;HOD(>L) = 1:92 + 25:36(L=L*)7:01.We conclude our study with measurements of the stellar-to-halo mass ratio (SHMR).We observe a significant model-observation discrepancy for low-mass galaxies, suggesting a higher than expected star formation efficiency of these galaxies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an exploration of ~500 spectroscopically confirmed galaxies in and around two large-scale structures (LSSs) at z ~ 1 drawn from the Observations of Redshift Evolution in Large Scale Environments survey, an ongoing, wide-field photometric and spectroscopic campaign targeting a large ensemble of LSSs at 0.6 < z < 1.3. A sub-sample of these galaxies (~150) was targeted for the initial phase of a near-infrared MOSFIRE spectroscopic campaign investigating the differences in selections of galaxies that had recently ended a burst of star formation and/or had rapidly quenched (i.e. post-starburst/K+A galaxies). Selection with MOSFIRE utilizing the Hα and [N II] emission features resulted in a post-starburst sample more than double that selected by traditional z ~ 1 (observed-frame optical) methods even after the removal of the relatively large fraction of dusty starburst galaxies selected through traditional methods. While the traditional post-starburst fraction increased with increasing global density, the MOSFIRE-selected post-starburst fraction was found to be constant across field, group, and cluster environments. However, this fraction computed relative to the number of star-forming galaxies was observed to elevate in the cluster environment. Post-starbursts selected with MOSFIRE exhibited moderately strong [O II] emission originating from activity other than star formation. Such galaxies, termed K+A with ImposteR [OII]-derived Star formation (KAIROS) galaxies, were found to be younger than and likely undergoing feedback absent or diminished in their optically selected counterparts. A comparison between the environments of the two types of post-starbursts suggested a picture in which the evolution of a post-starburst galaxy is considerably different in cluster environments than in the more rarefied environments of a group or the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Determining the average fraction of Lyman continuum (LyC) photons escaping high redshift galaxies is essential for understanding how reionization proceeded in the z> 6 Universe. Aims: We want to measure the LyC signal from a sample of sources in the Chandra Deep Field South (CDFS) and COSMOS fields for which ultra-deep VIMOS spectroscopy as well as multi-wavelength Hubble Space Telescope (HST) imaging are available. Methods: We select a sample of 46 galaxies at z ~ 4 from the VIMOS Ultra Deep Survey (VUDS) database, such that the VUDS spectra contain the LyC part, that is, the rest-frame range 880-910 Å. Taking advantage of the HST imaging, we apply a careful cleaning procedure and reject all the sources showing nearby clumps with different colours, that could potentially be lower-redshift interlopers. After this procedure, the sample is reduced to 33 galaxies. We measure the ratio between ionizing flux (LyC at 895 Å) and non-ionizing emission (at ~ 1500 Å) for all individual sources. We also produce a normalized stacked spectrum of all sources. Results: Assuming an intrinsic average L(1470)/L(895) of 3, we estimate the individual and average relative escape fraction. We do not detect ionizing radiation from any individual source, although we identify a possible LyC emitter with very high Lya equivalent width (EW). From the stacked spectrum and assuming a mean transmissivity for the sample, we measure a relative escape fraction f escrel = 0.09 ± 0.04. We also look for correlations between the limits in the LyC flux and source properties and find a tentative correlation between LyC flux and the EW of the Lya emission line. Conclusions: Our results imply that the LyC flux emitted by V = 25-26 star-forming galaxies at z ~ 4 is at most very modest, in agreement with previous upper limits from studies based on broad and narrow band imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the e ect of di erent star formation histories (SFHs) on the relation between stellar mass (M8 ) and star formation rate (SFR) using a sample of galaxies with reliable spectroscopic redshift zspec > 2 drawn from the VIMOS Ultra-Deep Survey (VUDS). We produce an extensive database of dusty model galaxies, calculated starting from a new library of single stellar population (SSPs) models, weighted by a set of 28 di erent star formation histories based on the Schmidt function, and characterized by di erent ratios of the gas infall timescale τinfall to the star formation effciency ν. Dust extinction and re-emission were treated by means of the radiative transfer calculation. The spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting technique was performed by using GOSSIP+, a tool able to combine both photometric and spectroscopic information to extract the best value of the physical quantities of interest, and to consider the intergalactic medium (IGM) attenuation as a free parameter. We find that the main contribution to the scatter observed in the SFR-M8 plane is the possibility of choosing between di erent families of SFHs in the SED fitting procedure, while the redshift range plays a minor role. The majority of the galaxies, at all cosmic times, are best fit by models with SFHs characterized by a high τinfall/ν ratio. We discuss the reliability of a low percentage of dusty and highly star-forming galaxies in the context of their detection in the far infrared (FIR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the evolution of the star formation rate (SFR) - stellar mass (M*) relation and specific star formation rate (sSFR) of star-forming galaxies (SFGs) since a redshift z - 5.5 using 2435 (4531) galaxies with highly reliable spectroscopic redshifts in the VIMOS Ultra-Deep Survey (VUDS). It is the first time that these relations can be followed over such a large redshift range from a single homogeneously selected sample of galaxies with spectroscopic redshifts. The log(SFR) - log(M*) relation for SFGs remains roughly linear all the way up to z = 5, but the SFR steadily increases at fixed mass with increasing redshift. We find that for stellar masses M* > 3.2 x 109 M0 the SFR increases by a factor of ~13 between z = 0.4 and z = 2.3. We extend this relation up to z = 5, finding an additional increase in SFR by a factor of 1.7 from z = 2.3 to z = 4.8 for masses M* > 1010 M0. We observe a turn-off in the SFR-M* relation at the highest mass end up to a redshift z ~ 3.5. We interpret this turn-off as the signature of a strong on-going quenching mechanism and rapid mass growth. The sSFR increases strongly up to z ~ 2, but it grows much less rapidly in 2 < z < 5. We find that the shape of the sSFR evolution is not well reproduced by cold gas accretion-driven models or the latest hydrodynamical models. Below z ~ 2 these models have a flatter evolution (1 + z)® with ® = 2-2.25 compared to the data which evolves more rapidly with ® = 2.8 ± 0.2. Above z ~ 2, the reverse is happening with the data evolving more slowly with ® = 1.2 ± 0.1. The observed sSFR evolution over a large redshift range 0 < z < 5 and our finding of a non-linear main sequence at high mass both indicate that the evolution of SFR and M* is not solely driven by gas accretion. The results presented in this paper emphasize the need to invoke a more complex mix of physical processes including major and minor merging to further understand the co-evolution of the SFR and stellar mass growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the properties of the 525 spectroscopically confirmed members of the C11604 supercluster at z ~ 0.9 as part of the Observations of Redshift Evolution in Large Scale Environments survey. In particular, we focus on the photometric, stellar mass, morphological, and spectral properties of the 305 member galaxies of the eight clusters and groups that comprise the C11604 supercluster. Using an extensive Keck Low-Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (LRIS)/DEep Imaging Multi-Object Spectrograph (DEIMOS) spectroscopic database in conjunction with ten-band ground-based, Spitzer, and Hubble Space Telescope imaging, we investigate the buildup of the red sequence in groups and clusters at high redshift. Nearly all of the brightest and most massive red-sequence galaxies present in the supercluster environment are found to lie within the bounds of the cluster and group systems, with a surprisingly large number of such galaxies present in low-mass group systems. Despite the prevalence of these red-sequence galaxies, we find that the average cluster galaxy has a spectrum indicative of a star-forming galaxy, with a star formation rate between those of z ~ 1 field galaxies and moderate-redshift cluster galaxies. The average group galaxy is even more active, exhibiting spectral properties indicative of a starburst. The presence of massive, red galaxies and the high fraction of starbursting galaxies present in the group environment suggest that significant processing is occurring in group environments at z ~ 1 and earlier. There is a deficit of low-luminosity red-sequence galaxies in all C11604 clusters and groups, suggesting that such galaxies transition to the red sequence at later times. Extremely massive (~1012 M⊙) red-sequence galaxies routinely observed in rich clusters at z ~ 0 are also absent from the C11604 clusters and groups. We suggest that such galaxies form at later times through merging processes. There are significant populations of transition galaxies at intermediate stellar masses (log(M∗) = 10.25-10.75) present in the group and cluster environments, suggesting that this range is important for the buildup of the red-sequence mass function at z ~ 1. Through a comparison of the transitional populations present in the C11604 cluster and group systems, we find evidence that massive blue-cloud galaxies are quenched earliest in the most dynamically relaxed systems and at progressively later times in dynamically unrelaxed systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT We present a submillimetre survey of seven high-redshift galaxy clusters (0.64 < z < 1.0) using the Submillimetre Common-User Bolometer Array (SCUBA) at 850 and 450 m. The targets, of similar richness and redshift, are selected from the Red-sequence Cluster Survey (RCS). We use this sample to investigate the apparent excess of submillimetre source counts in the direction of cluster fields compared to blank fields, as seen in the literature. The sample consists of three galaxy clusters that exhibit multiple optical arcs due to strong gravitational lensing, and a control group of four clusters with no apparent strong lensing. A tentative excess of 2.7σ is seen in the number density of submillimetre sources within the lensing cluster fields compared to that in the control group. Ancillary observations at radio, mid-infrared, optical and X-ray wavelengths allow for the identification of counterparts to many of the submillimetre luminous galaxies (SMGs), and provide improved astrometry and redshift constraints. Utilizing photometric redshifts, we conclude that at least three of the galaxies within the lensing fields have redshifts consistent with the clusters and implied infrared luminosities of ∼1012 L⊙. The existence of submillimetre cluster members may therefore be boosting source counts in the lensing cluster fields, which might be an effect of the dynamical state of those clusters. However, we find that the removal of potential cluster members from the counts analysis does not entirely eliminate the difference between the cluster samples. We also investigate possible occurrences of lensing between background submillimetre sources and lower redshift optical galaxies, though further observations are required to make any conclusive claims. Although the excess counts between the two cluster samples have not been unambiguously accounted for, these results warrant caution for interpreting submillimetre source counts in cluster fields and point source contamination for Sunyaev-Zel'dovich surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]