Published June 1988 | Version v1
Journal article

Near-infrared light and the morphology of Arp 220

  • 1. Northern Colorado Univ., Greeley, CO (USA)
  • 2. Aerospace Corp., Los Angeles, CA (USA)
  • 3. Minnesota Univ., Minneapolis (USA)
  • 4. Wyoming Infrared Observatory, Laramie (USA)

Description

This paper presents 2.2 micron imaging and a near-IR energy distribution for the luminous galaxy Arp 220. In the near-IR, Arp 220 appears as a single isolated galaxy with the projected axial symmetry of either a face-on disk or spheroid. The near-IR images contradict the original interpretation of the galaxy as the ongoing collision of two galaxies. No single component morphology can explain the galaxy adequately; this paper explains it as a hybrid galaxy form related to the class of radio galaxies with dust lanes. Some radio galaxies have properties in common with Arp 220. Hot stars are probable sources for heating of the diffuse dust in Arp 220 and perhaps some portion of a nuclear component. Heating by a nonstellar source of ultraviolet radiation is possible at the nucleus. 31 references

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Astrophys. J.
Journal Volume
329
Series
Astrophys. J.
Journal Page Range
107-115
ISSN
0004-637X
CODEN
ASJOA