The nature of the 3CR radio galaxies at z similar to 1

P Best, M Longair, H Rottgering

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

We present evidence that the 3CR radio galaxies at redshift z similar to 1 are already very massive, highly dynamically evolved galaxies, which lie at the heart of (proto)cluster environments. Since nearby 3CR, double radio sources are generally found in more isolated surroundings, the galactic environments of these galaxies must change dramatically with redshift. Therefore, the original 'uniform population, closed box' interpretation of the infrared K-magnitude vs redshift relationship no longer appears valid. We propose a new interpretation: the powerful radio galaxies selected at high and low redshift have different evolutionary histories, but must contain a similar mass of stars, a few times 10(11) M., and so conspire to produce the 'passively evolving' K-z relation observed. We discuss this model in the context of the current understanding of powerful radio sources and, in light of this new model, we compare the K-z relation of the 3CR galaxies with those derived for lower power radio galaxies and for brightest cluster galaxies.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMOST DISTANT RADIO GALAXIES
EditorsHJA Rottgering, PN Best, MD Lehnert
Place of PublicationAMSTERDAM
PublisherKONINKLIJKE AKAD WETENSCHAPPENVERHANDELINGEN, AFD NAT
Pages59-70
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)90-6984-238-6
Publication statusPublished - 1999
EventColloquium on the Most Distant Radio Galaxies - AMSTERDAM
Duration: 15 Oct 199717 Oct 1997

Conference

ConferenceColloquium on the Most Distant Radio Galaxies
CityAMSTERDAM
Period15/10/9717/10/97

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • CLUSTER ENVIRONMENTS
  • STELLAR POPULATIONS
  • SURFACE PHOTOMETRY
  • CD GALAXIES
  • POWERFUL
  • EVOLUTION
  • REDSHIFT
  • ALIGNMENT
  • MERGERS

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The nature of the 3CR radio galaxies at z similar to 1'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this