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A multi-particle model of the 3C 48 host

2004; EDP Sciences; Volume: 414; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1051/0004-6361

1432-0746

J. Scharwächter, A. Eckart, Susanne Pfalzner, J. Zuther, M. Krips, C. Straubmeier,

Astronomy and Astrophysical Research

The first successful multi-particle model for the host of the well-known quasi-stellar object (QSO) 3C 48 is reported. It shows that the morphology and the stellar velocity field of the 3C 48 host can be reproduced by the merger of two disk galaxies. The conditions of the interaction are similar to those used for interpreting the appearance of the “Antennae” (NGC 4038/39) but seen from a different viewing angle. The model supports the controversial hypothesis that 3C 48A is the second nucleus of a merging galaxy, and it suggests a simple solution for the problem of the missing counter tidal tail.