The Nature of Hoag's Object . .
Abstract
Hoag's object is found to be a distant compact galaxy, 5 kpc in diameter, surrounded by a luminous blue ring with outer diameter 37 kpc. The absolute magnitudes of the core and ring are Mv = -20.1 and Mv -21, respectively. Absorption by a dust band surrounding the core is not responsible for the appearance of the ring, which is an independent structural component of the galaxy. Several interpretations are considered, including the possibility that the system is a gravitational lens. Subject headings: galactic structure - galaxies
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- July 1974
- DOI:
- 10.1086/152940
- Bibcode:
- 1974ApJ...191...61O