Gemini Multi Object Spectrograph medium-resolution spectra and photometric data of 39 objects in the field of the radio galaxy 3C 17 are presented .
Based on the new data , a previously uncataloged cluster of galaxies is identified at a mean redshift of z = 0.220 ~ { } \pm~ { } 0.003 , a projected virial radius of 0.37 Mpc , and a velocity dispersion of \sigma _ { v } = 821 ~ { } \pm 171 km s ^ { -1 } .
The brightest member of this cluster is 3C 17 with M _ { r } = -22.45 mag .
The surface brightness profile of 3C 17 is best fit with two components ( Exponential + Sérsic ) characteristic of brightest cluster galaxies .
The spectrum of 3C 17 is dominated by broad emission lines H \alpha + N [ II ] and H \beta + [ O III ] .
Analysis of Chandra data shows extended emission around the cluster core that supports the existence of hot gas cospatial with 3C 17 .
The discovery of a cluster of galaxies around 3C 17 better explains the sharply bent morphology of the radio jet given that it propagates through a dense intracluster medium .