Optical Imaging and Long-Slit Spectroscopy of Markarian Galaxies with Multiple Nuclei. I. Basic Data

Optical CCD images and long-slit spectroscopic data are presented for over 100 Markarian (UV-excess) galaxies reported in early studies to possess multiple optical nuclei or extreme morphological peculiarities suggestive of galaxy collisions and mergers. Stacked broad-band (BVR) images are presented with histogram equalization in order to show simultaneously the nuclei and features at very low surface-brightness levels. Morphological properties, luminosities and colors of the integral systems are given. Photometric and image properties of over 200 individual nuclei and giant H II regions have been measured with respect to the local backgrounds in the galaxies using an objective image finding algorithm. Labeled contour plots identify the measured subcomponents. Two-dimensional spectral data are presented, in addition to intensity profiles along the slit in the light of Hα + [N II] emission lines and adjacent continuum. Nuclear emission-line measurements (4500-7500 A, ~10 A FWHM resolution), reddening estimates, monochromatic continuum magnitudes, and colors are given. Interpretation of these data with emphasis on the confirmed interacting and merging galaxies is presented in a subsequent paper.