SpARCS is the Spitzer Application of the Red Cluster Sequence (Gillian Wilson, PI). SpARCS makes use of the IRAC 3.6 micron band to push the RCS cluster detection technique out to higher redshifts than previously possible, and is currently the largest z>1 cluster survey. SpARCS to date has primarily built on the wide areal SWIRE survey, with substantial ground-based ancillary data required to make it all work.

My interest in SpARCS is primarily the affect of the cluster environment on AGN and star-formation activity, since the cluster environment can be thought of as one end of the interaction spectrum for galaxy mergers. Since I spearheaded much of the SWIRE project, this is a natural extension. Jean-Christophe Mauduit has also been working with me on this project.