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Astron. Astrophys. 337, 711-713 (1998)
Research Note
The peculiar radio galaxy B2 1637+29: a high velocity encounter of two galaxy groups?
H.R. de Ruiter 1, 2,
R. Fanti 2, 3,
P. Parma 2,
J. Lub 4,
R. Morganti 2, 5 and
R.D. Ekers 5
1 Osservatorio Astronomico, Via Zamboni 33, I-40126
Bologna, Italy
2 Istituto di Radioastronomia, Via Irnerio 46, I-40126
Bologna, Italy
3 Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Bologna, Via
Irnerio 46, I-40126 Bologna, Italy
4 Sterrewacht, Postbus 9513, 2300 RA Leiden, The
Netherlands
5 Australia Telescope National Facility, CSIRO, Epping,
Australia
Received 12 May 1998 / Accepted 8 June 1998
Abstract
Radial velocity measurements are presented of several galaxies in
the field of the peculiar radio galaxy B2 1637+29. We find that
most galaxies are at the redshift of the radio galaxy, but a few also
at that of the presumed companion of B2 1637+29. Since the
difference in radial velocity between the two components is
![[FORMULA]](img1.gif)
4100 km s-1, the data seem
to indicate that the two galaxies of the B2 1637+29 system are
not physically connected, and that the double galaxy system is most
probably the result of a chance superpostion of two unrelated groups
or clusters of galaxies at different distances. On the other hand the
unusual radio structure suggests interaction between the two galaxies,
and this possibility is reinforced by a recent investigation of Colina
& de Juan, who found signs of interaction based on the optical
properties of the system.
Some possible explanations of the system are given, but we conclude that for the moment the mystery of B2 1637+29 remains unsolved.
Key words: galaxies: clusters:
general 
galaxies: individual: B2
1637+29
galaxies: interactions
Send offprint requests to: H.R. de Ruiter, (deruiter@kennet.bo.astro.it)
Contents
© European Southern Observatory (ESO) 1998
Online publication: August 27, 1998
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