Kinematics of Cluster Galaxies and Their Relation to Galaxy Evolution

Abstract

We study the kinematics of galaxies within massive clusters, as a probe of the physics of star formation quenching within clusters. Using N -body simulations, we argue that satellite kinematics provide information about galaxy infall that is complementary to the (instantaneous) spatial distribution of satellites and can help distinguish between models of quenching that require intracluster processes from those that do not. Comparing the simulation results with measurements of real cluster galaxies, we find evidence that the kinematics of red (quiescent) satellite galaxies are consistent with earlier infall times than that of blue (star-forming) satellites.