Constraining galaxy evolution and cosmology from galaxy kinematics - First observations at Z = 0.18

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Abstract
There is significant evidence that galaxy evolution is a complex process, in which mass accretion, mergers, and star bursts play an important role. This complex evolution adds significant freedom to the modeling of observations of high redshift galaxies. Additional constraints are necessary. Such constraints may come from measurements of circular velocities, or velocity dispersions of galaxies at intermediate redshift. The first observations of central velocity dispersions are presented for galaxies in the rich cluster Abell 665 at z=0.18. Full curves of radial velocity dispersion of cluster members are presented. The measurements result in a well defined Faber Jackson relation for the red cluster members. A blue galaxy is lying 2.2 mag off the relation, and has an "E+A" spectrum. This "Butcher Oemler" galaxy is rotating rapidly, which is indicative of a strong disk. The observations show that measurements of central velocity dispersions are possible with current telescope capabilities. Observaitons at higher redshifts will lead to new constraints on both galaxy evolution and cosmology.

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