CLUSTERING OF DUST-OBSCURED GALAXIES AT z ∼ 2

We present the angular autocorrelation function of 2603 dust-obscured galaxies (DOGs) in the Bootes field of the NOAO Deep Wide-Field Survey. DOGs are red, obscured galaxies, defined as having R - [24] >= 14 (F(24)/F(R) greater than or similar to 1000). Spectroscopy indicates that they are located at 1.5 less than or similar to z less than or similar to 2.5. We find strong clustering, with r(0) = 7.40(-0.84)(+1.27) h(-1) Mpc for the full F(24) > 0.3 mJy sample. The clustering and space density of the DOGs are consistent with those of submillimeter galaxies, suggestive of a connection between these populations. We find evidence for luminosity-dependent clustering, with the correlation length increasing to r(0) = 12.97(-2.64)(+4.26) h(-1) Mpc for brighter (F(24) > 0.6 mJy) DOGs. Bright DOGs also reside in richer environments than fainter ones, suggesting these subsamples may not be drawn from the same parent population. The clustering amplitudes imply average halo masses of log M = 12.2(-0.2)(+0.3) M(circle dot) for the full DOG sample, rising to log M = 13.0(-0.3)(+0.4) M(circle dot) for brighter DOGs. In a biased structure formation scenario, the full DOG sample will, on average, evolve into similar to 3L(*) present-day galaxies, whereas the most luminous DOGs may evolve into brightest cluster galaxies.