Abstract
We present the results from a multiband optical imaging program that has definitively confirmed the existence of a supercluster at z ≈ 0.91. Two massive clusters of galaxies, Cl 1604+4304 at z = 0.897 and Cl 1604+4321 at z = 0.924, were originally observed in the high-redshift cluster survey of Oke, Postman, & Lubin. They are separated by 4300 km s-1 in radial velocity and 17′ on the plane of the sky. Their physical and redshift proximity suggested a promising supercluster candidate. Deep BRi imaging of the region between the two clusters indicates a large population of red galaxies. This population forms a tight, red sequence in the color-magnitude diagram at (R-i) ≈ 1.4. The characteristic color is identical to that of the spectroscopically confirmed early-type galaxies in the two member clusters. The red galaxies are spread throughout the 5 h-1 Mpc region between Cl 1604+4304 and Cl 1604+4321. Their spatial distribution delineates the entire large-scale structure with high concentrations at the cluster centers. In addition, we detect a significant overdensity of red galaxies directly between Cl 1604+4304 and Cl 1604+4321 which is the signature of a third, rich cluster associated with this system. The strong sequence of red galaxies and their spatial distribution clearly indicate that we have discovered a supercluster at z ≈ 0.91.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | L5-L8 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 531 |
Issue number | 1 PART 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 1 2000 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cosmology: observations
- Large-scale structure of universe
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science