Deep VLT spectroscopy of high redshift radio galaxy MRC 2104-242: Evidence for a metallicity gradient

Abstract

In this contribution we will present deep VLT spectroscopy observations of the giant emission line halo around the z=2.49 radio galaxy MRC 2104-242. The morphology of the halo is dominated by two spatially resolved regions. Lya is extended by >12" along the radio axis, C IV and He II are extended by ~8". The overall spectrum is typical for that of high redshift radio galaxies. Interestingly, N V is present in the spectrum of the region associated with the center of the galaxy hosting the radio source, the northern region, while absent in the southern region. Using a simple photoionization model, the difference in N V can be explained due to a metallicity gradient within the halo. This is consistent with a scenario in which the halo is formed by a massive cooling flow or originates from the debris of the merging of two or more galaxies. However, also other mechanisms such as jet-cloud interactions or starburst-winds could be important.

5 pages, 8 figures, to be published in the proceedings of 'Emission Lines from Jet Flows' Nov 2001, Mexico, Eds. W. Henney, W. Steffen, L. Binette, A. Raga