Abstract
We present a Very Large Array H I 21 cm map and optical observations of the region around one of the nearest damped Lyα absorbers beyond the Local Group, SBS 1543+593. Two previously uncataloged galaxies have been discovered, and a redshift has been determined for a third. All three of these galaxies are at the redshift of SBS 1543+593 and are ≲185 kpc from the damped Lyα absorber. We discuss the H I and optical properties of SBS 1543+593 and its newly identified neighbors. Both SBS 1543+593 and RBTB 154542.8+591132 have baryonic components that are dominated by neutral gas - unusual for damped Lyα absorbers, for which only ∼5% of the H I cross section originates in such strongly gas-dominated systems. What remains unknown is whether low-mass gas-rich groups are common surrounding gas-rich galaxies in the local universe and whether the low star formation rate in these systems is indicative of a young system or a stable, slowly evolving system. We discuss these evolutionary scenarios and future prospects for answering these questions.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 478-488 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Astronomical Journal |
Volume | 132 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 2006 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science
Keywords
- Galaxies: dwarf
- Galaxies: individual (SBS 1543+593, MCG +10-22-038)
- Galaxies: structure
- Quasars: absorption lines
- Radio lines: galaxies