The phoenix deep survey: Extremely red galaxies and cluster candidates

Abstract

We present the results of a study of a sample of 375 extremely red galaxies (ERGs) in the Phoenix Deep Survey, 273 of which constitute a subsample which is 80% complete to Ks = 18.5 over an area of 1160 arcmin2. The angular correlation function for ERGs is estimated, and the association of ERGs with faint radio sources explored. We find tentative evidence that ERGs and faint radio sources are associated at z ≳ 0.5. A new overdensity-mapping algorithm has been used to characterize the ERG distribution, and identify a number of cluster candidates, including a likely cluster containing ERGs at 0.5 < z < 1. Our algorithm is also used in an attempt to probe the environments in which faint radio sources and ERGs are associated. We find limited evidence that the I - Ks > 4 criterion is more efficient than R - Ks > 5 at selecting dusty star-forming galaxies, rather than passively evolving ERGs. © 2008. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved..