A triple nucleus in the brightest cluster galaxy in Abell 193

Seigar, Marc S.; Lynam, Paul D.; Chorney, Nicole E.

United States, Germany, Canada

Abstract

We present a ground-based, near-infrared, K-band image and a Hubble Space Telescope (HST) WFPC2 image of the brightest cluster galaxy in Abell 193 (IC 1695). This object was selected as the central cluster galaxy using X-ray information. Both images reveal a triple nucleus structure. Previously, this galaxy was thought to have only two nuclei. We present colours and magnitudes and a colour plot of the three nuclei. The nuclear structure and colours of the nuclei in this galaxy suggest that a merger may have taken place in its recent history.

2003 Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
eHST 9