The morphology and kinematics of 16 Markarian galaxies with multiple nuclei. I. Basic data

Abstract

Spectra and images are presented for a sample of Markarian galaxies which possess multiple "nuclei" yet which show no indication (as seen on the Palomar Observatory Sky Survey prints) of tidal features resulting from mergers. In only two of the eight galaxies imaged is there some indication of faint tails or arms suggesting possible past interactions. Redshifts derived from red and blue long-slit spectra of 16 galaxies are used to examine the relation between radial velocity differences between pairs of nuclear sources within a galaxy and projected separation. The result of the comparison is to demonstrate a trend toward lower velocity differences with smaller pair separations. In addition, a comparison of absolute magnitude with projected separation shows the larger the pair separation the brighter the galaxy. In this paper we present the basic data and preliminary analysis of the 16 Markarian galaxies.