Compact groups of compact galaxies. VII.

A list is given of 45 compact groups of compact galaxies found in the zone around -12 deg declination in the Palomar Atlas. Finding charts are provided for the 45 groups, and it is noted that this list brings the total number of known compact groups to 305. Seven types of compact groups are delineated according to structure: (1) groups with a very bright galaxy at the center, (2) spherically concentrated groups without an unusually bright central galaxy, (3) chains, (4) extended groups, (5) peripheral groups, (6) irregular groups, and (7) dumbbell groups (i.e., those consisting of two subgroups). Some structural similarities between rich clusters of galaxies, such as the Coma cluster, and the compact groups of compact galaxies are discussed.