Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2005-12-01
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
23 pages, 8 tables, 18 figures. Accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Scientific paper
10.1051/0004-6361:20053119
IRAS 08339+6517 is a luminous infrared and Ly$\alpha$-emitting starburst galaxy that possesses a dwarf companion object at a projected distance of 56 kpc. An \ion{H}{i} tidal tail has recently been detected between both galaxies, suggesting that about 70% of the neutral gas has been ejected from them.We present deep broad-band optical images, together with narrow band H$\alpha$ CCD images, and optical intermediate-resolution spectroscopy of both galaxies. The images reveal interaction features between both systems and strong H$\alpha$ emission in the inner part of IRAS 08339+6517. The chemical composition of the ionized gas of the galaxies is rather similar. The analysis of their kinematics also indicates interaction features and reveals an object that could be a candidate tidal dwarf galaxy or a remnant of an earlier merger. Our data suggest that the \ion{H}{i} tail has been mainly formed from material stripped from the main galaxy. We find weak spectral features that could be attributed to the presence of Wolf--Rayet stars in this starburst galaxy and estimate an age of the most recent burst of around 4 -- 6 Myr. A more evolved underlying stellar population, with a minimal age between 100 -- 200 Myr, is also detected and fits an exponential intensity profile. A model which combines 85% young and 15% old populations can explain both the spectral energy distribution and the \ion{H}{i} Balmer and \ion{He}{i} absorption lines presented in our spectrum. The star formation rate of the galaxy is consistently derived using several calibrations, giving a value of $\sim$9.5 \Mo yr$^{-1}$. IRAS 08339+6517 does satisfy the criteria of a luminous compact blue galaxy, rare objects in the local universe but common at high redshifts, being a very interesting target for detailed studies of galaxy evolution and formation.
Esteban Cesar
García-Rojas Jorge
Lopez-Sanchez Angel R.
No associations
LandOfFree
Star formation and stellar populations in the Wolf-Rayet(?) luminous compact blue galaxy IRAS 08339+6517 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Star formation and stellar populations in the Wolf-Rayet(?) luminous compact blue galaxy IRAS 08339+6517, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Star formation and stellar populations in the Wolf-Rayet(?) luminous compact blue galaxy IRAS 08339+6517 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-528987