The peculiar radio galaxy 3C 433.
Abstract
Radio, optical and X-ray observations are presented of the peculiar radio galaxy 3C 433, a Seyfert 2 object with luminosity an order of magnitude greater than that expected from its complex, shell-type morphology. Observations conducted at 6 and 12 cm with the VLA and at 21 cm with the Westerbork telescope show a striking asymmetry between the northern and southern radio emissions, and an overall X-shaped morphology. Optical observations using the Video Camera and High Gain Video Spectrometer on the 4-m telescope and the Intensified Image Dissector Scanner on the 2.1-m telescope at Kitt Peak confirm the identification of the source with a pair of bright galaxies. Observations in the X-ray from the Einstein Observatory IPC reveal an unresolved source at the position of 3C 433, as well as two serendipitous X-ray sources. The observations may be used to explain the overall structure of the source either in terms of tidal torquing or precessing models of double galaxies; however, it is argued that the tidal torquing model requires fewer assumptions to account for the brightness asymmetry.
- Publication:
-
The Astronomical Journal
- Pub Date:
- January 1983
- DOI:
- 10.1086/113285
- Bibcode:
- 1983AJ.....88...40V
- Keywords:
-
- Galactic Structure;
- Peculiar Galaxies;
- Radio Galaxies;
- Seyfert Galaxies;
- Heao 2;
- Lobes;
- Luminosity;
- Radio Telescopes;
- Visible Spectrum;
- X Ray Sources;
- Astrophysics