Resolved structure associated with the quasar PKS 0837-12

Resolved structure 17 arcsec in diameter extending symmetrically east and west from the low redshift (z = 0.200) quasar PKS 0837-12 has been detected using broadband optical-imaging techniques. The major-axis diameter of the underlying structure lies at a position angle of 92 +- 20, apparently aligned with the radio lobes which are oriented at a position angle 90 +- 20. For cosmological z and H0 = 55 km/(s Mpc) the diameter of the underlying optical structure corresponds to approximately 90 kpc. Twelve faint (V approximately 20 to 21) objects, within approximately 40 arcsec of PKS 0837-12, may be a cluster of galaxies which could be associated with the quasar. Spectrophotometry of PKS 0837-12 indicates a decrease in both the continuum and the Hβ fluxes over an interval of 5 yr. Two possible interpretations of the optical structure are: (1) an underlying disk of a distant elliptical galaxy, and (2) jet-like lobes possibly related to a new generation of radio sources. (author)