Distant Galaxy Clusters: New Detections and Follow-Up Observations in the Optical.

Abstract.

A new cluster detection algorithm was developed and applied to the ESO Imaging Survey dataset (EIS), producing a new catalogue of cluster candidates up to estimated $z \sim 1$. Such a catalogue will enable us to perform statistically significant studies as well as detailed research on some of these systems individually and on their member galaxies. The ongoing follow-up of the candidates in multi-waveband photometry is now starting to produce its first results and BVRI colors have already been used to select three of the cluster candidates for VLT spectroscopy. Those results are shown in a companion poster by Serote Roos et al., also presented in this conference. The data shall be used later to study the role of the environment in the evolution of galaxy populations.