Brightness distributions in compact and normal galaxies. I - Surface photometry of red compact galaxies

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (142) References (33) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Brightness distributions in compact and normal galaxies. I. Surface photometry of red compact galaxies. Kormendy, J. Abstract To investigate possible peculiarities in red compact galaxies, photographic major and minor axis brightness profiles are presented for 16 compact and four normal galaxies. These will be used in subsequent papers for detailed studies of profile shapes and parameter systematics. The present qualitative discussion yields the following results: 1. Red compacts are qualitatively E and SO galaxies. 2. Their central surface brightnesses and mean brightnesses within the 23.0 mag contours are both normal. Only in II Zw 67, VII Zw 421, and possibly I Zw 38 is the mean brightness high, by mag arcsec 2 Compacts have the normal UBVR colors of early-type galaxies. 3. Zwicky's "large nearly uniform brightness halos" are nonexponential disks of unusual prominence. Especially noteworthy is VII Zw 793, which has an exceptionally strong, almost uniform disk with weak spiral structure and a sharp outer edge. Such features could be either of two apparently different profile components, lenses and NGC 2841-type disks, defined in the Hubble Atlas. 4.The most peculiar objects found are VII Zw 421 and II Zw 67. They seem to be prototypes of a class of objects with dominant spheroid-like lenses, and early-type spectra with very strong Balmer absorption. The present spectra cannot definitely distinguish between metal-poor and young stars but favor the latter. 5.Lenses are a distinct and independent component in brightness distributions. They seem to be morphologically intermediate between spheroids and disks. Subject headings: galaxies: photometry - galaxies: structure Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: June 1977 DOI: 10.1086/155259 Bibcode: 1977ApJ...214..359K Keywords: Astronomical Photometry; Brightness; Compact Galaxies; Galactic Structure; Astronomical Catalogs; Astronomical Photography; Electrophotometers; Luminous Intensity; Tables (Data); Ubv Spectra; Astronomy full text sources ADS | data products NED (40) SIMBAD (1)