Discovery of a Color-selected Quasar at Z = 5.50
Abstract
We present observations of RD J030117+002025, a quasar at z=5.50 discovered from deep, multicolor, ground-based observations covering 74 arcmin2. This is the most distant quasar or active galaxy currently known. The object was targeted as an R-band dropout, with RAB>26.3 (3 σ limit in a 3" diameter region), IAB=23.8, and zAB=23.4. The Keck/Low-Resolution Imaging Spectrometer spectrum shows broad Lyα/N V λ1240 emission and sharp absorption decrements from the highly redshifted hydrogen forests. The fractional continuum depression due to the Lyα forest is DA=0.90. RD J030117+002025 is the least luminous high-redshift quasar known (MB~-22.7). Based on observations at the W. M. Keck Observatory, Kitt Peak National Observatory, and Palomar Observatory. Keck Observatory is operated as a scientific partnership among the University of California, the California Institute of Technology, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Observatory was made possible by the generous financial support of the W. M. Keck Foundation.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- April 2000
- DOI:
- 10.1086/312614
- arXiv:
- arXiv:astro-ph/0002338
- Bibcode:
- 2000ApJ...533L..75S
- Keywords:
-
- COSMOLOGY: EARLY UNIVERSE;
- GALAXIES: QUASARS: GENERAL;
- GALAXIES: QUASARS: INDIVIDUAL: ALPHANUMERIC: RD J030117+002025;
- Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- 9 pages, 2 figures