The observed scatter in intergalactic Lyman-α opacity at z ≲ 6 requires large-scale fluctuations in the neutral fraction of the intergalactic medium (IGM) after the expected end of reionization. Post-reionization models that explain this scatter invoke fluctuations in either the ionizing ultraviolet background (UVB) or IGM temperature. These models make very different predictions, however, for the relationship between Lyman-α opacity and local density. Here we test these models using Lyman-α

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... tting galaxies (LAEs) to trace the density field surrounding the longest and most opaque known Lyman-α trough at z < 6. Using deep Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam narrow-band imaging, we find a highly significant deficit of z ≃ 5.7 LAEs within 20 Mpc/h of the trough. The results are consistent with a model in which the scatter in Lyman-α opacity near z ∼ 6 is driven by large-scale UVB fluctuations, and disfavor a scenario in which the scatter is primarily driven by variations in IGM temperature. UVB fluctuations at this epoch present a boundary condition for reionization models, and may help shed light on the nature of the ionizing sources.