Astron. Astrophys. 346, L21-L24 (1999)

4. Conclusions

We have carried out spectroscopic observations of galaxies around J2233-606 and searched for associated absorption-line systems in its spectrum. We find the following.

• (i) Q433 (J2233415-603255; , , kpc) is an ideal target for QSO environment studies. Strong H I Ly and Ly absorptions are seen at in the spectrum of J2233-606. The good redshift agreement might be coincidence; however a similar case has already been observed by Petitjean et al. (1998). Further investigations are needed to decide whether a group of galaxies associated with Q433 or a structure of radius larger than 200 kpc around Q433 is responsible for the H I absorption.

• (ii) The nearly face-on Sc spiral (J2233378-603324; , , kpc) is an excellent target for associated absorption-line system studies. We find absorption in the Lyman series. The associated Lyman limit, and the absence of Fe II in the J2233-606 spectrum are consistent with a H I column density of less than 10¹⁷ cm^-2. The Mg II absorption is weak for a galaxy with and such a small impact parameter; this is inconsistent with a tight correlation between impact parameter and absorption strength.

• (iii) A Mg II absorption system is detected at in the J2233-606 spectrum. At the same time, there is an overdensity of galaxies at , so other objects closer than 40" to J2233-606 are expected at the same redshift. G484 () is a good candidate for being related to this absorption.

© European Southern Observatory (ESO) 1999

Online publication: May 21, 1999
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