Environment of Seyfert 2 galaxies: the group of galaxies around NGC5252.

Freudling, W.; Prieto, M. Almudena
Referencia bibliográfica

Astronomy and Astrophysics, v.306, p.39

Fecha de publicación:
2
1996
Número de autores
2
Número de autores del IAC
0
Número de citas
5
Número de citas referidas
5
Descripción
The relatively large neutral hydrogen contents and enhanced density of companion galaxies around Seyfert 2 galaxies suggests that tidal interaction could play a major role in the evolution of Seyfert 2 galaxies. Recent observations of the distribution of neutral hydrogen in the active S0 galaxy NGC5252 have shown a disturbed morphology which suggests that the HI in this galaxy could have been acquired through interaction with neighboring galaxies (Prieto & Freudling 1993 and 1995). We have searched for other HI rich galaxies within a radius of 25 arcmin and a redshift range of +/-600km/s around the center location and redshift of NGC5252. A total of five galaxies were found, four of them are cataloged galaxies with no previous redshifts available. These five galaxies were mapped with the VLA in order to search for signs of recent tidal interactions. The maps and derived HI parameters are presented and compared to the one of NGC5252, the sixth member of the group. Two of the galaxies (UGC 8635) are an interacting pair. No signs of other recent interactions were found. Using the Arecibo telescope, we also searched for intergalactic neutral hydrogen between the group members as another potential source of gas for NGC5252. Upper limits on intergroup gas are given for three positions. The lack of evidence for interaction among the galaxies could be interpreted in two different ways. Either interaction occurred in the distant past and triggered activity in this galaxy over a long period of time. Alternatively, factors other than the gas supply might be responsible for the observation that Seyfert 2 galaxies tend to be surrounded by a region of enhanced galaxy density.