High Resolution Infrared Imaging of FSC10214+4724: Evidence for Gravitational Lensing

Abstract

We present near--infrared observations of the ultraluminous high-redshift (z=2.286) IRAS source FSC 10214+4724 obtained in 0.''4 seeing at the W. M. Keck telescope. These observations show that FSC 10214+4724 consists of a highly symmetric circular arc centered on a second weaker source. The arc has an angular extent of about 140 degrees and is probably unresolved in the transverse direction. This morphology constitutes compelling prima facie evidence for a gravitationally lensed system. Our images also contain evidence for the faint counter image predicted by the lens hypothesis. The morphology of FSC 10214+4724 can be explained in terms of a gravitationally lensed background source if the object at the center of curvature of the arc is an L* galaxy at z ~ 0.4. If FSC 10214+4724 is lensed then there is significant magnification and its luminosity has been overestimated by a large factor. Our results suggest FSC~10214+4724 is not a uniquely luminous object but ranks amo ng the most powerful quasars and ultraluminous IRAS galaxies.