Abstract
We present deep Keck LRIS spectroscopy of the host galaxy of 3C 48. Our observations at various slit positions sample the different luminous components near the quasar, including the apparent tidal tail to the NW and several strong emission line regions. By fitting Bruzual & Charlot (1996) population synthesis models to our spectra, we obtain ages for the most recent major episodes of star formation in various parts of the host galaxy covered by our slits. There is vigorous current star formation in regions just NE and SE of the quasar and post-starburst regions with ages up to ~10^8 years in other parts of the host galaxy, but most of the NW tidal tail shows no sign of significant recent star formation. We use these model fits, together with the kinematics of the stars and gas, to outline a plausible evolutionary history for the host galaxy, its recent starburst activity, the triggering of the quasar, and the interaction of the radio jet with the ambient gas. There is strong evidence that the 3C 48 host is an ongoing merger, and that it is probably near the peak of its starburst activity. Nevertheless, the quasar itself seems to suffer little extinction, perhaps because we are viewing it along a particularly favorable line-of-sight.
Full Text
Topics from this Paper
Kinematics Of Stars
Host Galaxy
Post-starburst Regions
Star Formation
Luminous Components
+ Show 5 more
Create a personalized feed of these topics
Get StartedTalk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Similar Papers
The Astrophysical Journal
Jan 1, 2000
Jan 1, 2005
arXiv: Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics
Aug 18, 2009
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Nov 1, 2011
arXiv: Astrophysics
Nov 13, 2004
arXiv: Astrophysics of Galaxies
May 19, 2020
arXiv: Astrophysics
Jan 20, 2008
arXiv: Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics
Sep 27, 2013
arXiv: Astrophysics of Galaxies
Jan 12, 2009
The Astrophysical Journal
Jan 21, 2009
The Astrophysical Journal
Jan 17, 2005
arXiv: Astrophysics of Galaxies
Apr 9, 2019
arXiv: Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics
Feb 10, 2009
The Astronomical Journal
Mar 1, 1999
arXiv: Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics
Nov 25, 2013