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Abstract
Identifying galaxy clustering at high redshift (i.e. z > 1) is
essential to our understanding of the current cosmological model.
However, at increasing redshift, clusters evolve considerably in star
formation activity and so are less likely to be identified using the
widely used red-sequence method. Here we assess the viability of instead
identifying high-redshift clustering using actively star-forming
galaxies (submillimetre galaxies, SMGs, associated with overdensities of
BzKs/LBGs). We perform both a 2D and 3D clustering analysis to determine
whether or not true (3D) clustering can be identified where only 2D data
are available. As expected, we find that 2D clustering signals are weak
at best and inferred results are method dependent. In our 3D analysis,
we identify 12 SMGs associated with an overdensity of galaxies
coincident both spatially and in redshift - just 8 per cent of SMGs with
known redshifts in our sample. Where an SMG in our target fields lacks a
known redshift, their sight line is no more likely to display clustering
than blank sky fields; prior redshift information for the SMG is
required to identify a true clustering signal. We find that the strength
of clustering in the volume around typical SMGs, while identifiable, is
not exceptional. However, we identify a small number of highly clustered
regions, all associated with an SMG. The most notable of these,
surrounding LESS J033336.8-274401, potentially contains an SMG, a quasi
stellar object (QSO) and 36 star-forming galaxies (a >20σ
overdensity) all at z ˜ 1.8. This region is highly likely to
represent an actively star-forming cluster and illustrates the success
of using star-forming galaxies to select sites of early clustering.
Given the increasing number of deep fields with large volumes of
spectroscopy, or high quality and reliable photometric redshifts, this
opens a new avenue for cluster identification in the young Universe.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2732-2752 |
Number of pages | 21 |
Journal | Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society |
Volume | 438 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 27 Jan 2014 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Mar 2014 |
Keywords
- galaxies: clusters: general
- galaxies: high-redshift
- galaxies: starburst
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Dive into the research topics of 'Identifying clustering at high redshift through actively star-forming galaxies'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 3 Finished
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PATT linked grant support for Bristol astrophysics and planetary studies
1/10/12 → 1/10/14
Project: Research
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Research in planetary physics, astrophysics and cosmology at Bristol
1/04/12 → 1/04/15
Project: Research
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