From Clusters to Proto-Clusters: The Infrared Perspective on Environmental Galaxy Evolution

Environment is one of the primary drivers galaxy evolution; via multiple mechanisms, it can control critical process transforming galaxies from star forming to quiescent, commonly termed “quenching”. Despite its importance, however, we still do not have a clear view how environmentally-driven quenching proceeds even in most extreme environments: clusters and their progenitor proto-clusters. Recent advances infrared capabilities enabled transformative progress only identification these structures but detailed analyses quiescence, obscured formation, molecular gas (proto-)cluster across cosmic time. In this review, will discuss current state literature regarding (proto-)clusters observational, perspective. Our improved understanding environmental evolution comes unique observables distinct regimes near-, mid-, far-infrared, crucial push high redshift where massive growth dominated by highly extinct, infrared-bright galaxies.