Is IRAS F10214+4724 Gravitationally Lensed?

Abstract

We show that the z = 2.3 IRAS source F10214+4724 is gravitationally lensed by an intervening galaxy, as suggested by the observed near-IR structures. Its many anomalous properties can be explained if the source is an ordinary Seyfert 2 nucleus whose central regions are much more highly magnified than the surrounding host galaxy. Confirming expectations, we find a counterimage to the near-IR arc, and find spectral evidence for the lensing galaxy at z ∼ 1. We present new optical images which show that the optical source is compact and highly magnified. F10214+4724 may represent a population of lensed AGNs whose central engines are obscured.