The search for the host galaxy of the gamma-ray burst GRB 000214

Abstract

We present UBVRI-band observations taken ~300 days after the BeppoSAX gamma-ray burst GRB 000214. This GRB did not show a detectable optical afterglow, however due to the localization of a previously unknown, fading, X-ray source at a tentative redshift in the range 0.37-0.47, we have searched with the ESO 3.6 m telescope for objects with photometric redshifts consistent with the mentioned X-ray redshift range. We report four host galaxy candidates, which might be the subject of future spectroscopic observations in order to confirm their redshifts.

5 pages, accepted for publication in A&A