Formation of a Quasar Host Galaxy through a Wet Merger 1.4 Billion Years after the Big Bang

Understand

We present high-resolution Very Large Array imaging of the molecular gas in the host galaxy of the high redshift quasar BRI 1335-0417 (z=4.41).

• Our CO(2-1) observations have a linear resolution of 0.15" (1.0 kpc) and resolve the molecular gas emission both spatially and in velocity.
• The molecular gas in BRI 1335-0417 is extended on scales of 5 kpc, and shows a complex structure.
• At least three distinct components encompassing about two thirds of the total molecular mass of 9.2 x 10^10 M_sun are identified in velocity space, which are embedded in a structure that harbors about one third of the total molecular mass in the system.