Star-forming galaxies at z ~ 2: a major science case for the EMIR/GOYA survey on GTC

Abstract

We present the first results of a project aiming to derive the physical properties of high-redshift lensed galaxies, intrinsically fainter than the Lyman break galaxies currently observed in the field. From FORS and ISAAC spectroscopy on the VLT, we use the full rest-frame UV-to-optical range to derive the physical properties (SFR, extinction, chemical abundances, dynamics, mass, etc) of low-luminosity z ~ 2 star-forming galaxies. Although the sample is still too small for statistical studies, these results give an insight into the nature and evolutionary status of distant star-forming objects and their link with present-day galaxies. Such a project will serve as a basis for the scientific analysis of the EMIR/GOYA survey on the GTC.