Simulating the formation of a protocluster at z ∼ 2

Abstract

We present results from two high-resolution hydrodynamical simulations of protocluster regions at z ≃ 2.1. The simulations have been compared to observational results for the so-called Spiderweb galaxy system, the core of a putative protocluster region at z = 2.16, found around a radio galaxy. The simulated regions have been chosen so as to form a poor cluster with M 200 ≃ 1014 h-1 M⊙ (C1) and a rich cluster with M200 ≃ 2 × 1015 h -1 M⊙ (C2) at z = 0. The simulated protoclusters show evidence of ongoing assembly of a dominating central galaxy. The stellar mass of the brightest cluster galaxy of the C2 system is in excess with respect to observational estimates for the Spiderweb galaxy, with a total star formation rate which is also larger than indicated by observations. We find that the projected velocities of galaxies in the C2 cluster are consistent with observations, while those measured for the poorer cluster C1 are too low compared with the observed velocities. We argue that the Spiderweb complex resembles the high-redshift progenitor of a rich galaxy cluster. Our results indicate that the included supernovae feedback is not enough to suppress star formation in these systems, supporting the need of introducing active galactic nuclei feedback. According to our simulations, a diffuse atmosphere of hot gas in hydrostatic equilibrium should already be present at this redshift, and enriched at a level comparable to that of nearby galaxy clusters. The presence of this gas should be detectable with future deep X-ray observations. © 2008 RAS.