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We present the results from our deep (16x12 hour) Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope (WSRT) observations of the approximately 7 square degree Bootes Deep Field, centered at 14h32m05.75s, 34d16'47.5" (J2000). Our survey consists of 42 discrete pointings, with enough overlap to ensure a uniform sensitivity across the entire field, with a limiting sensitivity of 28 microJy (1 sigma rms). The catalog contains 3172 distinct sources, of which 316 are resolved by the 13"x27" beam. The Bootes field is part of the optical/near-infrared imaging and spectroscopy survey effort conducted at various institutions. The combination of these data sets, and the deep nature of the radio observations will allow unique studies of a large range of topics including the redshift evolution of the luminosity function of radio sources, the K-z relation and the clustering environment of radio galaxies, the radio / far-infrared correlation for distant starbursts, and the nature of obscured radio loud AGN.

AGN feedback now appears as an attractive mechanism to resolve some of the outstanding problems with the "standard" cosmological models, in particular those related to massive galaxies. To directly constrain how this may influence the formation of massive galaxies near the peak in the redshift distribution of powerful quasars, z~2, we present an analysis of the emission-line kinematics of 3 powerful radio galaxies at z~2-3 (HzRGs) based on rest-frame optical integral-field spectroscopy obtained with SINFONI on the VLT. HzRGs are among the most massive galaxies, so AGN feedback may have a particularly clear signature. We find evidence for bipolar outflows in all HzRGs, with kinetic energies that are equivalent to 0.2% of the rest-mass of the supermassive black hole. Velocity offsets in the outflows are ~800-1000 km s^-1 between the blueshifted and redshifted line emission, FWHMs ~1000 km s^-1 suggest strong turbulence. Ionized gas masses estimated from the Ha luminosity are of order 10^10 M_s, similar to the molecular gas content of HzRGs, underlining that these outflows may indicate a significant phase in the evolution of the host galaxy. The total energy release of ~10^60 erg during a dynamical time of ~10^7 yrs corresponds to about the binding energy of a massive galaxy. Geometry, timescales and energy injection rates of order 10% of the kinetic energy flux of the jet suggest that the outflows are most likely driven by the radio source. The global energy density release of ~10^57 erg s^-1 Mpc^-3 may also influence the subsequent evolution of the HzRG by enhancing the entropy and pressure in the surrounding halo and facilitating ram-pressure stripping of gas in satellite galaxies that may contribute to the subsequent mass assembly of the HzRG through low-dissipation "dry" mergers., Comment: A&A in press, minor edits & typo in table captions 2-4

We present new constraints on the evolution of the early-type galaxy color-magnitude relation (CMR) based on deep near-infrared imaging of a galaxy protocluster at z=2.16 obtained using NICMOS on-board the Hubble Space Telescope. This field contains a spectroscopically confirmed space-overdensity of Lyman-alpha and H-alpha emitting galaxies which surrounds the powerful radio galaxy MRC 1138-262. Using these NICMOS data we identify a significant surface-overdensity (= 6.2x) of red J-H galaxies in the color-magnitude diagram (when compared with deep NICMOS imaging from the HDF-N and UDF). The optical-NIR colors of these prospective red-sequence galaxies indicate the presence of on-going dust-obscured star-formation or recently formed (

To investigate the impact of radio jets during the formation epoch of their massive host galaxies, we present an analysis of two massive, log(M_stel/ M_sun)~10.6 and 11.3, compact radio galaxies at z=3.5, TNJ0205+2242 and TNJ0121+1320. Their small radio sizes (R, A&A accepted

While a significant fraction of silicate dust in stellar winds has a crystalline structure, in the interstellar medium nearly all of it is amorphous. One possible explanation for this observation is the amorphization of crystalline silicates by relatively ‘‘low’’ energy, heavy-ion cosmic rays. Here we present the results of multiple laboratory experiments showing that single-crystal synthetic forsterite (Mg2SiO4) amorphizes when irradiated by 10 MeV Xe ions at large enoughfluences.Usingmodeling,weextrapolatetheseresultstoshowthat0.1Y5.0GeVheavy-ioncosmicrayscan rapidly (� 70 Myr) amorphize crystalline silicate grains ejected by stars into the interstellar medium. Subject headingg cosmic rays — dust, extinction Online material: color figures

Here we show how theoretical pan-spectral modelling is beginning to decode the physical parameters of the interstellar medium of starburst and high-redshift galaxies, is revealing the star formation rate, identifying the bolometric contribution due to an embedded AGN and is determining the attenuation of the galaxian light due to foreground dust. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

We review current evidence for the existence of large emission-line halos around high redshift radio galaxies. Detailed narrow-band imaging and spectroscopic studies of these systems may help us understand the early stages of massive forming galaxies and AGN feedback. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Observations of the radio galaxy MRC 0316-257 at z=3.13 and the surrounding field are presented. Using narrow- and broad-band imaging obtained with the VLT, 77 candidate Ly-alpha emitters with a rest-frame equivalent width of > 15 A were selected in a ~7'x7' field around the radio galaxy. Spectroscopy of 40 candidate emitters resulted in the discovery of 33 emission line galaxies of which 31 are Ly-alpha emitters with redshifts similar to that of the radio galaxy, while the remaining two galaxies turned out to be [OII] emitters. The Ly-alpha profiles have widths (FWHM) in the range of 120-800 km/s, with a median of 260 km/s. Where the signal-to-noise was large enough, the Ly-alpha profiles were found to be asymmetric, with apparent absorption troughs blueward of the profile peaks, indicative of absorption along the line of sight of an HI mass of at least 2x10^2 - 5x10^4 M_sun. The properties of the Ly-alpha galaxies (faint, blue and small) are consistent with young star forming galaxies which are still nearly dust free. The volume density of Ly-alpha emitting galaxies in the field around MRC 0316-257 is a factor of 3.3+0.5-0.4 larger compared with the density of field Ly-alpha emitters at that redshift. The velocity distribution of the spectroscopically confirmed emitters has a FWHM of 1510 km/s, which is substantially smaller than the width of the narrow-band filter (FWHM ~ 3500 km/s). The peak of the velocity distribution is located within 200 km/s of the redshift of the radio galaxy. We conclude that the confirmed Ly-alpha emitters are members of a protocluster of galaxies at z~3.13. The size of the protocluster is larger than 3.3x3.3 Mpc^2. The mass of this structure is estimated to be > 3-6x10^14 M_sun and could be the progenitor of a cluster of galaxies similar to e.g. the Virgo cluster. (Abridged), 23 Pages, including 20 PostScript figures. Publiced in Astronomy & Astrophysics. v2: typo fixed and Journal reference added

Imaging and spectroscopy with the Very Large Telescope have revealed 20 Ly? emitters within a projected distance of 1.3 Mpc and 600 km s-1 of the luminous radio galaxy TN J1338-1942 at z = 4.1. Compared to the field density of Ly? emitters, this implies an overdensity on the order of 15. The structure has a projected size of at least 2.7 ? 1.8 Mpc and a velocity dispersion of 325 km s-1, which makes it the most distant structure known. Using the galaxy overdensity and assuming a bias parameter b = 3-5, the mass is estimated to be ~1015 M?. The radio galaxy itself is surrounded by an uniquely asymmetric Ly? halo. Taken together with our previous data on PKS 1138-262 at z ~ 2.16, these results suggest that luminous radio sources are excellent tracers of high-density regions in the early universe, which evolve into present-day clusters. The statistics of bright radio sources and of concentrations in the Lyman break galaxy population are consistent with the picture that each of those concentrations harbors an active or passive luminous radio source.

We present seeing-limited and adaptive optics (AO) images of the z = 1.786 radio galaxy 3C294 in the H and K' infrared bands obtained at Keck Observatory. The infrared emission of 3C294 is dominated by two distinct components separated by ~1" (9 kpc). The eastern knot contains an unresolved core that contributes ~4% of the K'-band light; we identify this core with the active nucleus. The western component is about 2.5 times brighter. The most plausible interpretation of the near-infrared morphology is an ongoing merger event, with the active nucleus located in the less massive of the two galaxies., Accepted for Publication in Astrophysical Journal

We present and discuss optical continuum images made with the Hubble Space Telescope of the radio galaxy 1138-262 at z = 2.2. This object possesses one of the clumpiest optical morphologies of all known high-redshift radio galaxies, consisting of a bright nucleus aligned along the radio axis and a number of smaller components distributed over a region as large as the radio source (130 kpc). The clumps have sizes ranging from 3 to 13 kpc and absolute visual magnitudes between MV = -21.8 and MV = -19.4. On the basis of HST and previous observations, we claim that these clumps are star-forming galaxies that will be accreted by the host galaxy of 1138-262. We compare this radio galaxy with other high-redshift objects and with the predictions of current scenarios of galaxy formation.

We present total intensity radio images of a collection of 48 radio galaxies and quasars, drawn from a combined sample of the 3CR catalogue and the overlapping 6C and B2 catalogues. The 6C and B2 samples are selected at a flux density level at which the differential source counts exceed by the greatest amount the counts predicted for a non-evolving Friedmann cosmology. The new observations presented here complete a set of high-quality radio data for these samples: in conjunction with new optical/infrared data they should provide new insight into the cosmological evolution of this source population. The sources were observed with the VLA, at one or more of the following frequencies: 1.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 8.4 GHz. Basic source parameters are derived from each image. Images of individual sources are briefly discussed. The sources are classified morphologically according to their degree of core dominance R. The distributions of morphologies for 3CR and `6C/B2' sources are compared and discussed.

To model the size distribution and composition of interstellar and interplanetary dust grains, and their effect on a wide range of phenomena, it is vital to understand the mechanism of dust-shock interaction. We demonstrate a new laser experiment that subjects dust grains to pressure spikes similar to those of colliding astrophysical dust, and that accelerates the grains to astrophysical velocities. This new method generates much larger data sets than earlier methods; we show how large quantities (thousands) of grains are accelerated at once, rather than accelerating individual grains, as is the case of earlier methods using electric fields. We also measure the in-flight velocity ( ~ 4.5km/s) of hundreds of grains simultaneously by use of a particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique. Fil: Hansen, J. F.. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Estados Unidos Fil: Van Breugel, W.. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; . University of California. Office of Undergraduate Education & School of Natural Sciences; Estados Unidos Fil: Bringa, Eduardo Marcial. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza; Argentina Fil: Eberly, B.. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Fil: Graham, G. A.. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; . The Natural History Museum. Mineralogy Department ; Reino Unido Fil: Remington, Bruce A.. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Estados Unidos Fil: Taylor, E. A.. The Open University; Reino Unido Fil: Tielens, A. G.. Leiden University. Leiden Observatory; Países Bajos

We use the multi-epoch, mid-infrared Spitzer Deep, Wide-Field Survey to investigate the variability of 474,179 objects in 8.1 deg^2 of the NDWFS Bootes field. We perform a Difference Image Analysis of the four available epochs between 2004 and 2008, focusing on the deeper 3.6 and 4.5 micron bands. We find that 1.1% of the studied sample meet our standard selection criteria for being classed as a variable source. We require that the 3.6 and 4.5 micron light-curves are strongly correlated (r>0.8) and that their joint variance exceeds that for all sources with the same magnitude by 2 sigma. We then examine the mid-IR colors of the variable sources and match them with X-ray sources from the XBootes survey, radio catalogs, 24 micron-selected AGN candidates, and spectroscopically identified AGNs from the AGN and Galaxy Evolution Survey (AGES). Based on their mid-IR colors, most of the variable sources are AGNs (76%), with smaller contributions from stars (11%), galaxies (6%), and unclassified objects. Most of the stellar, galaxy and unclassified sources are false positives. For our standard selection criteria, 11-12% of the mid-IR counterparts to X-ray sources, 24 micron-selected AGN candidates and spectroscopically identified AGNs show variability. Mid-IR AGN variability can be well described by a single power-law structure function with a power-law index of 0.5 at both 3.6 and 4.5 microns, and an amplitude of 0.1 mag on rest-frame time scales of 2 years. The variability amplitude is higher for shorter rest-frame wavelengths and lower luminosities. (Abridged), preprint 38 pages, 10 figures, full catalogs available from http://data.spitzer.caltech.edu/popular/sdwfs/20100503_enhanced/catalogs/

The Spitzer Deep, Wide-Field Survey (SDWFS) is a four-epoch infrared survey of ten square degrees in the Bootes field of the NOAO Deep Wide-Field Survey using the IRAC instrument on the Spitzer Space Telescope. SDWFS, a Cycle four Spitzer Legacy project, occupies a unique position in the area-depth survey space defined by other Spitzer surveys. The four epochs that make up SDWFS permit -- for the first time -- the selection of infrared-variable and high proper motion objects over a wide field on timescales of years. Because of its large survey volume, SDWFS is sensitive to galaxies out to z~3 with relatively little impact from cosmic variance for all but the richest systems. The SDWFS datasets will thus be especially useful for characterizing galaxy evolution beyond z~1.5. This paper explains the SDWFS observing strategy and data processing, presents the SDWFS mosaics and source catalogs, and discusses some early scientific findings. The publicly-released, full-depth catalogs contain 6.78, 5.23, 1.20, and 0.96 x 10e5 distinct sources detected to the average 5-sigma, 4" diameter, aperture-corrected limits of 19.77, 18.83, 16.50, and 15.82 Vega mag at 3.6, 4.5, 5.8, and 8.0 micron, respectively. The SDWFS number counts and color-color distribution are consistent with other, earlier Spitzer surveys. At the 6 min integration time of the SDWFS IRAC imaging, more than 50% of isolated FIRST radio sources and more than 80% of on-axis XBootes sources are detected out to 8.0 micron. Finally, we present the four highest proper motion IRAC-selected sources identified from the multi-epoch imaging, two of which are likely field brown dwarfs of mid-T spectral class., 71 pages, 18 figures, accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal

We analyse a 100-ks Chandra observation of the powerful radio galaxy, 4C60.07 at z=3.79. We identify extended X-ray emission with Lx~10^45 erg/s across a ~90-kpc region around the radio galaxy. The energetics of this X-ray halo and its morphological similarity to the radio emission from the galaxy suggest that it arises from inverse Compton (IC) scattering, by relativistic electrons in the radio jets, of Cosmic Microwave Background photons and potentially far-infrared photons from the dusty starbursts around this galaxy. The X-ray emission has a similar extent and morphology to the Ly-alpha halo around the galaxy, suggesting that it may be ionising this halo. Indeed we find that the GHz-radio and X-ray and Ly-alpha luminosities of the halo around 4C60.07 are identical to those of 4C41.17 (also at z=3.8) implying that these three components are linked by a single physical process. This is only the second example of highly-extended IC emission known at z>3, but it underlines the potential importance of IC emission in the formation of the most massive galaxies at high redshifts. In addition, we detect two X-ray luminous active galactic nuclei (AGN) within ~30kpc of the radio galaxy. These two companion AGN imply that the radio and starburst activity in the radio galaxy is triggered through multiple mergers of massive progenitors on a short timescale, ~100Myrs. These discoveries demonstrate the wealth of information which sensitive X-ray observations can yield into the formation of massive galaxies at high redshifts., ApJL, in press

We present high-resolution observations carried out at 18-cm wavelength with MERLIN and the European VLBI Network (EVN) on eight compact steep-spectrum (CSS) sources from the 3CR catalogue (3C43, 186, 190, 286, 299, 318, 346, 454). The typical resolution achieved on maps made with combined data is ≤ 30 mas. The relationships between compact features on these maps with low-brightness extended regions seen in the MERLIN data alone can be found. Prominent jets were found in seven sources, enabling us to discuss the properties of jets for the 3CR sample of CSS sources in general

Venemans et al. (2005) found evidence for an overdensity of Ly-alpha emission line galaxies associated with the radio galaxy MRC 0316-257 at z=3.13 indicating the presence of a massive protocluster. Here, we present the results of a search for additional star-forming galaxies and AGN within the protocluster. Narrow-band infrared imaging was used to select candidate [O III] emitters in a 1.1 x 1.1 Mpc^2 region around the radio galaxy. Thirteen candidates have been detected. Four of these are among the previously confirmed sample of Ly-alpha galaxies, and an additional three have been confirmed through follow-up infrared spectroscopy. The three newly confirmed objects lie within a few hundred km/s of each other, but are blueshifted with respect to the radio galaxy and Ly-alpha emitters by ~2100 km/s. Although the sample is currently small, our results indicate that the radio-selected protocluster is forming at the centre of a larger, ~60 co-moving Mpc super-structure. On the basis of an HST/ACS imaging study we calculate dust-corrected star-formation rates and investigate morphologies and sizes of the [O III] candidate emitters. From a comparison of the star formation rate derived from UV-continuum and [O III] emission, we conclude that at least two of the [O III] galaxies harbour an AGN which ionized the O+ gas., Comment: 11 pages, 6 figures. Accepted for publication in MNRAS

Many ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs) are powered by quasars hidden in the center, but many are also powered by starbursts. A simply diagnostic diagram is proposed that can identify obscured quasars in ULIRGs by their high-ionization emission lines ([O III]λ5007/Hβ ≳ 5), and “warm” IR color (f25/f60≳ 0.25).

We present a sample of 40 Ultra Steep Spectrum (USS, $\alpha \leq -1.3$, $S_{\nu}\propto \nu^{\alpha}$) radio sources selected from the Westerbork in the Southern Hemisphere (WISH) catalog. The USS sources have been imaged in K--band at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) and with the Very Large Telescope at Cerro Paranal. We also present VLT, Keck and Willian Herschel Telescope(WHT) optical spectroscopy of 14 targets selection from 4 different USS samples. For 12 sources, we have been able to determine the redshifts, including 4 new radio galaxies at z > 3. We find that most of our USS sources have predominantly small (6'') radio sizes and faint magnitudes (K~18). The mean K-band counterpart magnitude is $\bar{K}$=18.6. The expected redshift distribution estimated using the Hubble K-z diagram has a mean of $\bar{z}_{exp}$$\sim$2.13, which is higher than the predicted redshift obtained for the SUMSS-NVSS sample and the expected redshift obtained in the 6C$^{**}$ survey. The compact USS sample analyzed here may contain a higher fraction of galaxies which are high redshift and/or are heavily obscured by dust. Using the 74, 352 and 1400 MHz flux densities of a sub-sample, we construct a radio colour-colour diagram. We find that all but one of our USS sources have a strong tendency to flatten below 352 MHz. We also find that the highest redshift source from this paper (at z=3.84) does not show evidence for spectral flattening down to 151 MHz. This suggests that very low frequency selected USS samples will likely be more efficient to find high redshift galaxies., Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS, 14 pages including 44 PostScript figures and 4 tables. Version with all figures available from http://www.eso.org/~cdebreuc/papers.html

[Abridged] We present the results of a large program conducted with the Very Large Telescope and Keck telescope to search for forming clusters of galaxies near powerful radio galaxies at 2.0 < z < 5.2. We obtained narrow- and broad-band images of nine radio galaxies and their surroundings. The imaging was used to select candidate Lyman alpha emitting galaxies in ~3x3 Mpc^2 areas near the radio galaxies. A total of 337 candidate emitters were found with a rest-frame Lyman alpha equivalent width of EW_0 > 15 A and Sigma = EW_0/Delta EW_0 > 3. Follow-up spectroscopy confirmed 168 Lyman alpha emitters near eight radio galaxies. The success rate of our selection procedure is 91%. At least six of our eight fields are overdense in Lyman alpha emitters by a factor 3-5. Also, the emitters show significant clustering in velocity space. In the overdense fields, the width of the velocity distributions of the emitters is a factor 2-5 smaller than the width of the narrow-band filters. Taken together, we conclude that we have discovered six forming clusters of galaxies (protoclusters). We estimate that roughly 75% of powerful (L_2.7GHz > 10^33 erg/s/Hz/sr) high redshift radio galaxies reside in a protocluster, with a sizes of at least 1.75 Mpc. We estimate that the protoclusters have masses in the range 2-9 x 10^14 Msun and they are likely to be progenitors of present-day (massive) clusters of galaxies. For the first time, we have been able to estimate the velocity dispersion of cluster progenitors from z~5 to ~2. The velocity dispersion of the emitters increases with cosmic time, in agreement with the dark matter velocity dispersion in numerical simulations of forming massive clusters., Comment: 30 pages, 20 figures. Published in A&A. The article with high resolution figures is available at http://www.ast.cam.ac.uk/~venemans/research/datapaper/index.html

We report on first results of an ongoing effort to image a small sample of high-redshift radio galaxies (HzRGs) with milliarcsecond (mas) resolution, using very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) techniques. Here, we present 1.7 and 5.0 GHz VLBA observations of B3 J2330+3927, a radio galaxy at z=3.087. Those observations, combined with 8.4 GHz VLA-A observations, have helped us interpret the source radio morphology, and most of our results have already been published (Perez-Torres & De Breuck 2005). In particular, we pinpointed the core of the radio galaxy, and also detected both radio lobes, which have a very asymmetric flux density ratio, R>11. Contrary to what is seen in other radio galaxies, it is the radio lobe furthest from the nucleus which is the brighest. Almost all of the Ly-alpha emission is seen between the nucleus and the furthest radio lobe, which is also unlike all other radio galaxies. The values of radio lobe distance ratio, and flux density ratio, as well as the fraction of core emission make of B3 J2330+3927 an extremely asymmetric source, and challenges unification models that explain the differences between quasars and radio galaxies as due to orientation effects., 4 pages, 3 figures, Proceedings of the Granada Workshop on High Redshift Radio Galaxies. To appear in Astronomical Notes

High redshift radio galaxies (HzRGs) are observable up to cosmological distances competitive with the most distant quasars. However, before using them as probes of galaxy evolution, it is crucial to separate the stellar and non-stellar components. One of the most striking properties of HzRGs is the alignment of the UV continuum with the axis of the radio source (alignment effect; McCarthy et al. 1987). However, the relative importance of the stellar and non-stellar radiation to the alignment effect is still unknown, although a significant fraction is recognized to come from scattering of anisotropic radiation emitted by the obscured nucleus, as expected in the unified model of powerful radio sources (di Serego Alighieri, Cimatti & Fosbury 1994). Spectropolarimetry is the most powerful technique to observe at the same time different radiation components, but the 4m class telescopes can reach a sufficient S/N ratio only on the few brightest objects. Therefore, in order to investigate the origin of the alignment effect and to test the validity of the unified model of powerful radio-loud AGN, we have started a program of optical spectropolarimetry of HzRGs with the W.M. Keck 10m telescope equipped with the Low Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (LRIS) in polarimetric mode.

We present some interesting results from a radio study of 17 radio galaxies at z >2, selected from a complete sample of Molonglo sources with S408 > 0.95 Jy for which optical identifications and spectroscopic redshifts are being obtained in a major observational programme (Kapahi et al. 1995).Observations and results : The 17 galaxies were mapped using the VLA at 1.4, 4.8 and 8.3 GHz with the highest resolution of ≃ 0.3″ at 8.3 GHz. The integrated spectra are generally quite steep and convex in many sources, steepening to α ≥ 1.2 (S ∝ v–α) at the highest frequency. Most of the sources have a double structure with sizes ranging up to 22″. Unresolved radio cores, coincident with the optical galaxies, are detected at the mJy or sub-mJy level in most cases. Several sources also show one-sided jetlike features. Surprisingly, most of the cores appear to have steep spectra between 5 and 8.3 GHz!

We present the results of narrow-band and broad-band imaging with the Very Large Telescope of the field surrounding the radio galaxy TN J0924-2201 at z = 5.2. Fourteen candidate Ly alpha emitters with a rest-frame equivalent width of > 20 A were detected. Spectroscopy of 8 of these objects showed that 6 have redshifts similar to that of the radio galaxy. The density of emitters at the redshift of the radio galaxy is estimated to be a factor 1.5-6.2 higher than in the field, and comparable to the density of Ly alpha emitters in radio galaxy protoclusters at z = 4.1, 3.1 and 2.2. The Ly alpha emitters near TN J0924-2201 could therefore be part of a structure that will evolve into a massive cluster. These observations confirm that substantial clustering of Ly alpha emitters occurs at z > 5 and support the idea that radio galaxies pinpoint high density regions in the early Universe., 4 pages, 1 figure, published in A&A Letters

Active galactic nuclei are thought to be powered by gas falling into a massive black hole; the different types of active galaxy may arise because we view them through a thick torus of molecular gas at varying angles of inclination. One way to determine whether the black hole is surrounded by a torus, which would obscure the accretion disk around the black hole along certain lines of sight, is to search for water masers, as these exist only in regions with plentiful molecular gas. Since the first detection of an extra-galactic water maser in 1979, they have come to be associated primarily with active galaxies, and have even been used to probe the mass of the central engine. Here we report the detection of a water giga-maser in the radio galaxy TXFS2226-184. The strength of the emission supports a recently proposed theory of maser pumping that allows for even more powerful masers, which might be detectable at cosmological distances. Water masers may accordingly provide a way to determine distances to galaxies outside the usual distance ladder, providing an independent calibration of the Hubble constant.

Jets from radio galaxies can have dramatic effects on the medium through which they propagate. We review observational evidence for jet-induced star formation in low ('FR-I') and high ('FR-II') luminosity radio galaxies, at low and high redshifts respectively. We then discuss numerical simulations which are aimed to explain a jet-induced starburst ('Minkowski's Object') in the nearby FR-I type radio galaxy NGC 541. We conclude that jets can induce star formation in moderately dense (10 cm-3), warm (10,000 K) gas; that this may be more common in the dense environments of forming, active galaxies; and that this may provide a mechanism for 'positive' feedback from AGN in the galaxy formation process., Invited Review IAU Symp 217 'Recycling Intergalactic and Interstellar Matter', 8 pages, 5 figures

The host galaxies of powerful radio sources are ideal laboratories to study active galactic nuclei (AGN). The galaxies themselves are among the most massive systems in the universe, and are believed to harbor supermassive black holes (SMBH). If large galaxies are formed in a hierarchical way by multiple merger events, radio galaxies at low redshift represent the end-products of this process. However, it is not clear why some of these massive ellipticals have associated radio emission, while others do not. Both are thought to contain SMBHs, with masses proportional to the total luminous mass in the bulge. It either implies every SMBH has recurrent radio-loud phases, and the radio-quiet galaxies happen to be in the "low" state, or that the radio galaxy nuclei are physically different from radio-quiet ones, i.e. by having a more massive SMBH for a given bulge mass. Here we present the first results from our adaptive optics imaging and spectroscopy pilot program on three nearby powerful radio galaxies. Initiating a larger, more systematic AO survey of radio galaxies (preferentially with Laser Guide Star equipped AO systems) has the potential of furthering our understanding of the physical properties of radio sources, their triggering, and their subsequent evolution., Paper presented at the SPIE conference on Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation "Discoveries and Research Prospects from 6 - 10m Class Telescopes II", August 22, 2002, Waikoloa, Hawaii, USA. 9 pages, 4 figures

We present sensitive, high-resolution, X-ray imaging from Chandra of the high-redshift radio galaxy 4C 41.17 (z=3.8). Our 150-ks Chandra exposure detects strong X-ray emission from a point source coincident with the nucleus of the radio galaxy. In addition we identify extended X-ray emission with a luminosity ~1e45 erg/s covering a 100kpc (15'') diameter region around the radio galaxy. The extended X-ray emission follows the general distribution of radio emission in the radio lobes of this source, and the distribution of a giant Lyman-alpha emission line halo, while the spectrum of the X-ray emission is non-thermal and has a power law index consistent with that of the radio synchrotron. We conclude that the X-ray emission is most likely Inverse-Compton scattering of far-infrared photons from a relativistic electron population probably associated with past and current activity from the central object. Assuming an equipartition magnetic field the CMB energy density at z=3.8 can only account for at most 40% of the Inverse-Compton emission. Published submillimeter maps of 4C 41.17 have detected an apparently extended and extremely luminous far-infrared emission around the radio galaxy. We demonstrate that this photon component and its spatial distribution, in combination with the CMB can reproduce the observed X-ray luminosity. We propose that photo-ionization by these Inverse-Compton X-ray photons plays a significant role in this system, and provides a new physical feedback mechanism to preferentially affect the gas within the most massive halos at high redshift. This is the highest redshift example of extended X-ray emission around a radio galaxy currently known. (Abridged), Comment: 26 pages, 6 Postscript Figures, Accepted ApJ Main Journal

A sample of 178 extragalactic objects is defined by correlating the 60 micron IRAS FSC with the 5 GHz PMN catalog. Of these, 98 objects lie above the radio/far-infrared relation for radio-quiet objects. These radio-excess galaxies and quasars have a uniform distribution of radio excesses and appear to be a new population of active galaxies not present in previous radio/far-infrared samples. The radio-excess objects extend over the full range of far-infrared luminosities seen in extragalactic objects. Objects with small radio excesses are more likely to have far-infrared colors similar to starbursts, while objects with large radio excesses have far-infrared colors typical of pure AGN. Some of the most far-infrared luminous radio-excess objects have the highest far-infrared optical depths. These are good candidates to search for hidden broad line regions in polarized light or via near-infrared spectroscopy. Some low far-infrared luminosity radio-excess objects appear to derive a dominant fraction of their far-infrared emission from star formation, despite the dominance of the AGN at radio wavelengths. Many of the radio-excess objects have sizes likely to be smaller than the optical host, but show optically thin radio emission. We draw parallels between these objects and high radio luminosity Compact Steep-Spectrum (CSS) and GigaHertz Peaked-Spectrum (GPS) objects. Radio sources with these characteristics may be young AGN in which the radio activity has begun only recently. Alternatively, high central densities in the host galaxies may be confining the radio sources to compact sizes. We discuss future observations required to distinguish between these possibilities and determine the nature of radio-excess objects., Comment: Submitted to AJ. 44 pages, 11 figures. A version of the paper with higher quality figures is available from http://www.mso.anu.edu.au/~cdrake/PMNFSC/paperI/

We present the results of a near infrared imaging program of a sample of 19 radio galaxies with redshift between 1.7 and 3.2, using the NICMOS Camera 2 on the Hubble Space Telescope. The galaxies were observed in H-band which, for 18 of the 19 targets, samples the rest-frame optical emission longwards of the 4000 A break. The images show a wide range of morphologies, from unresolved to compact systems, to systems with substructures such as multiple emission peaks, to systems comprised of several components spread over large areas. The morphologies of 5 of the lowest redshift targets are well represented by a de Vaucouleurs profile, consistent with them being elliptical galaxies. Their average effective radius is a factor of 2 smaller than that of z=1 3CR radio galaxies at similar restframe wavelengths. The near infrared continuum light is generally well aligned with the radio axis and the aligned light has typical V-H colors of around 3.5-4. For several galaxies where WFPC2 images were available, we computed a high resolution map of the optical-to-infrared spectral indices: all multi-component systems present net color gradients between the various clumps. We argue that in these galaxies the continuum emission has probably a stellar origin. Finally in many cases we observe nearby faint objects close to the radio sources. The number density of these faint objects is slightly higher than what is found in the deep NICMOS parallel observations of random fields. These objects also tend to be aligned with the radio sources axis, suggesting that they may be related to the presence of the AGN. (shortened astro-ph version), Comment: To appear in ApJS

We present multi-wavelength radio observations with the Very Large Array and narrow- and broad-band optical observations with the 2.5m telescope at the Las Campanas Observatory, of a well-defined sample of high-luminosity Fanaroff-Riley class II radio galaxies and quasars, selected from the Molonglo Reference Catalogue 1-Jy sample. These observations were carried out as part of a programme to investigate the effects of orientation and environment on some of the observed properties of these sources. We examine the dependence of the Liu-Pooley relationship, which shows that radio lobes with flatter radio spectra are less depolarized, on size, identification and redshift, and show that it is significantly stronger for smaller sources, with the strength of the relationship being similar for both radio galaxies and quasars. In addition to Doppler effects, there appears to be intrinsic differences between the lobes on opposite sides. We discuss the asymmetry in brightness and location of the hotspots, and present estimates of the ages and velocities from matched resolution observations at L- and C-bands. The narrow- and broad-band optical images of some of these sources were made to study their environments and correlate with the symmetry parameters. Extended emission-line region is seen in a quasar and in four of the objects, possible companion galaxies are seen close to the radio axis., 11 pages, accepted for publication in MNRAS. Complete set of radio images can be obtained from ishwar@rri.res.in

We present a deep ASCA observation of a Broad Absorption Line Quasar (BALQSO) PG0946+301. The source was clearly detected in one of the gas imaging spectrometers, but not in any other detector. If BALQSOs have intrinsic X-ray spectra similar to normal radio-quiet quasars, our observations imply that there is Thomson thick X-ray absorption (N_H >~10^{24} cm^{-2}) toward PG0946+301. This is the largest column density estimated so far toward a BALQSO. The absorber must be at least partially ionized and may be responsible for attenuation in the optical and UV. If the Thomson optical depth toward BALQSOs is close to one, as inferred here, then spectroscopy in hard X-rays with large telescopes like XMM would be feasible., 6 pages, LaTex, submitted to ApJL

The detection of polarized continuum and line emission from the nucleus of NGC 4258 by Wilkes et al. (1995) provides an intriguing application of the unified model of Seyfert nuclei to a galaxy in which there is known to be an edge-on, rotating disk of molecular gas surrounding the nucleus. Unlike most Seyfert nuclei, however, NGC 4258 has strongly polarized narrow emission lines. To further investigate the origin of the polarized emission, we have obtained spectropolarimetric observations of the NGC 4258 nucleus at the Keck-II telescope. The narrow-line polarizations range from 1.0% for [S II] 6716 to 13.9% for the [O II] 7319,7331 blend, and the position angle of polarization is oriented nearly parallel to the projected plane of the masing disk. A correlation between critical density and degree of polarization is detected for the forbidden lines, indicating that the polarized emission arises from relatively dense (n_e > 10^4 cm^-3) gas. An archival Hubble Space Telescope narrow-band [O III] image shows that the narrow-line region has a compact, nearly unresolved core, implying a FWHM size of, To appear in the Astronomical Journal. 13 pages, including 1 table and 4 figures. Uses emulateapj.sty

Radio galaxies in the early universe are often associated with large Lya emitting regions extended along the radio axis. Detailed study of the morphology and kinematics of this gas can offer valuable insights into the formation and evolution of radio sources and their impact on the environment. Here we present results from Fabry-Perot kinematic imaging of the extended Lyα region around the radio galaxy 2104–242. The derived physical properties of the gas are discussed in the context of its origin, dynamics and energetics, and its relationship with the radio source.

We present sensitive radio continuum images at high resolution of 37 radio galaxies at z > 2. The observations were made with the Very Large Array (VLA) at 4.7 GHz and 8.2 GHz, with typical resolutions of 0.45'' and 0.25'', respectively. Images of total and polarized intensity, and spectral index, are presented. Values for total and polarized intensity, and values of rotation measures, are tabulated for the hot spots in each source. The positions of the radio nuclei are tabulated, along with a variety of other source parameters. Analysis of the polarization data reveals large rotation measures (RMs) towards six sources. We argue that the RMs are due to magnetized, ionized gas local to the radio sources. The magnitude of the RMs are in excess of 1000 rad/m/m (rest frame) for these sources. Drawing an analogy to a class of lower redshift radio galaxies with extreme RMs, we speculate that these sources may be at the centers of dense, X-ray emitting cluster atmospheres., ApJ (Supplement) (paper no. 33814)

Most known galaxies at high redshifts have been found by concentrating on ultra steep spectrum (α≳ 1) sources in low frequency radio surveys (eg.Rottgering et al., 1994; McCarthy et al., 1990). We have been carrying out a systematic study of a large and complete sample from the 408 MHz Molonglo Reference Catalogue which is not biased by any spectral index criterion. Containing 558 sources, defined by S 408 ≥ 0.95 Jy; −30° < δ < −20° and the RA ranges of 20 h 20 m to 06 h 00 m and 09 h 20 m to 14 h 00 m , our sample is about 3 times larger in size and 5 times deeper in flux density than the well studied 3CRR sample.

We present Fabry-Perot observations of the extended Ly α emission around the radio galaxy 2104–242. Constraints are derived on the physical properties of the gas, including the volume filling factor, total kinetic energy, and dynamical and radiative timescales. These constraints are investigated in the context of dynamical models for the gas, such as accretion from a merger event and energy input from the radio jets. Various mechanisms for energy input to the gas are also considered, in particular photoionization by the active nucleus and shocks from turbulence related to interactions with the radio plasma.

The viewing angle of ~45° (between the jet axis and the line of sight) dividing quasars and radio galaxies in the orientation-based unified scheme (Barthel 1989) is based largely on the observation that in the redshift range of 0.5 < z < 1.0 in the low-frequency 3CRR sample, there are about twice as many radio galaxies than quasars and the median linear size of galaxies is about twice that of the quasars. The relative numbers and sizes of quasars in other redshift ranges in the 3CRR are however in conflict with the simple unified scheme even if the opening angle is considered to evolve with epoch or radio luminosity (Kapahi 1990; Singal 1993). Larger sources samples, preferably selected at low radio frequencies, are clearly important in such statistical studies.

We present some interesting results from a radio study of 17 radio galaxies at z >2, selected from a complete sample of Molonglo sources with S 408 > 0.95 Jy for which optical identifications and spectroscopic redshifts are being obtained in a major observational programme (Kapahi et al. 1995).

Together with several of my colleagues I have embarked on a comprehensive program to study the radio—aligned restframe UV structures in high redshift radio galaxies (HzRGs) using some of the world’s premier optical telescopes: the Hubble Space Telescope for high spatial resolution imaging, and the Keck 10m telescope for high S/N spectropolarimetry. I will discuss some of our latest results from these observations which elucidate, and at the same time obscure, our evolving understanding of HzRGs.

High redshift radio galaxies (HzRGs) are observable up to cosmological distances competitive with the most distant quasars. However, before using them as probes of galaxy evolution, it is crucial to separate the stellar and non-stellar components. One of the most striking properties of HzRGs is the alignment of the UV continuum with the axis of the radio source (alignment effect; McCarthy et al. 1987). However, the relative importance of the stellar and non-stellar radiation to the alignment effect is still unknown, although a significant fraction is recognized to come from scattering of anisotropic radiation emitted by the obscured nucleus, as expected in the unified model of powerful radio sources (di Serego Alighieri, Cimatti & Fosbury 1994). Spectropolarimetry is the most powerful technique to observe at the same time different radiation components, but the 4m class telescopes can reach a sufficient S/N ratio only on the few brightest objects. Therefore, in order to investigate the origin of the alignment effect and to test the validity of the unified model of powerful radio-loud AGN, we have started a program of optical spectropolarimetry of HzRGs with the W.M. Keck 10m telescope equipped with the Low Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (LRIS) in polarimetric mode.

The radio galaxy Fornax A is well known for its giant radio lobes which extend almost a degree (~300 kpc) across the sky. Fomalont et al. have shown that these lobes are linearly polarized on the largest scales, although the western lobe is highly depolarized in discrete, resolved regions. The depolarized regions indicate the presence of ionized gas (Faraday screen) along the line of sight to the western lobe. We have now detected the warm gas at H? using a Fabry-Perot interferometer in a way that allows us to reach very low surface brightness levels (

The relationships between radio galaxies and their environment are varied, complex, and evolve with cosmic epoch. Basic questions are what role the environment plays in triggering and fuelling (radio) galaxy activity what the effects of this activity are on its environment, and how radio galaxies and environment evolve. Clearly, this could be the topic of a workshop all in itself and the scope of this review will necessarily be limited. A review of the connections between environment and galaxy activity in general has been given by Heckman. First, I will briefly summarize the relationships between parent galaxy and cluster environments, and radio galaxies. A more detailed discussion of various aspects of this will be given elsewhere by F. Owen, J.0. Burns and R. Perley. I will then discuss the current status of investigations of extended emission-line regions in radio galaxies, again referring elsewhere in this volume for more detailed discussions of some particular aspects (kinematics and ionization mechanisms by K. Meisenheimer; polarization and spectral index lobe asymmetries by G. Pooley). I will conclude with a brief discussion of the current status of observations of high redshift radio galaxies.

The Hubble Space Telescope has been used to image the continuum emission from 4C 41.17 at z = 3.8, the most distant galaxy known. The galaxy was detected with good signal-to-noise ratio and was spatially resolved at the 0.1 arcsec (440 pc) HST resolution. About 35 percent of this emission is in the form of a high brightness clumpy region extending by about 0.5 arcsec (1.7 kpc), whose morphology is remarkably similar to that of the radio components. A fainter more diffuse region of optical emission extends westward from the center of the nuclear complex for about 1.2 arcsec (5.3 kpc) out along the radio axis. The clumpiness of the optical emission and its close correspondence with the radio structure on the subkiloparsec scale is discussed in the light of current models for high-redshift galaxies. Our observations imply that the material in the center of this galaxy is clumpy on the subkiloparsec scale.

This conference demonstrated the coming of age of 3-D astronomy as a standard tool, rather than as a technological niche. In particular, several integral field spectrometers are now in use, and many more are now in development for the new ground-based 6-10 meter class telescopes, and in study for space use, and are described in the papers of this conference. The astronomical roles of various forms of 3-D technologies are summarized.

We present the first results of a multiwavelength study of IRAS galaxies with excess radio emission. The sample was selected by cross-correlating the IRAS Faint Source Survey (for {vert bar}b{vert bar} {ge} 50{degree}) and the Point Source Catalogue (for 10{degree} < {vert bar}b{vert bar} < 50{degree}) with the Texas radio survey. Recent optical (imaging and spectroscopic) and radio (VLA) observations are discussed. These observations will be used to investigate possible connections between radio galaxy activity, star formation and galaxy interactions. 15 refs., 3 figs.

Observations, comprising radio imaging at three frequencies, optical broadband and narrow-band imaging, optical spectroscopy, and K-band IR imaging, of a distant radio source, 4C 41.17, are presented. It is shown that 4C 41.17 is associated with an extended source of optical and IR emission at a redshift of 3.8. The morphological similarities between the radio source and the ionized gas and optical/IR continua suggest that the radio source is interacting vigorously with the galaxy. Various mechanisms for producing the optical/IR emission in 4C 41.17 are considered. It is concluded that a large fraction of the spectral energy distribution is from stars, and that the star formation induced by the radio source is the likely mechanism to account for the radio/optical alignment.