A quasar companion to the puzzling quasar SDSS J0927+2943

Abstract

We report the discovery of a quasar close to SDSS J0927+2943 (z = 0.713), which is a massive binary/recoiling black hole candidate. The companion quasar is at a projected distance of 125 h70-1 kpc and exhibits a radial velocity difference of ∼1400 kms-1 with respect to the known quasar. We discuss the nature of this peculiar quasar pair and the properties of its environment. We propose that the overall system is caught in the process of ongoing structure formation. © ESO, 2010.