Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jul 1996
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1996apj...466..135h&link_type=abstract
Astrophysical Journal v.466, p.135
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
16
Galaxies: Individual Name: Maffei 2, Galaxies: Interactions, Galaxies: Spiral, Galaxies: Starburst, Galaxies: Structure, Radio Lines: Galaxies
Scientific paper
We present high-resolution H I maps of the nearby starburst galaxy Maffei 2. These VLA maps have maximum resolutions of 20" and show emission extending across 15', well beyond the optical extent of the galaxy. The radio continuum emission matches the barred asymmetric morphology seen in the infrared. The asymmetries in the outer disk are also evident in H I, although the nucleus, which exhibits strong CO emission, is deficient in atomic gas. The total H I mass of the galaxy is 1.1 x 10^9^ M_sun_, accounting for ~1.5% of its total inferred dynamical mass. Its velocity field is, to first, order, typical of symmetrical barred galaxies, although there is a 10 km s^-1^ difference in systemic velocity between the disk and nucleus. Maffei 2 has a markedly disturbed appearance with an unusual H I "double arc" to the north that is probably a tidal feature indicating a recent or ongoing interaction. We propose that the asymmetries in the galaxy as well as its nuclear starburst are driven by an ongoing merger with a small satellite companion galaxy.
Ho Paul T. P.
Hurt Robert L.
Turner Jean L.
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