Arp 299C is a 5×1010 \Lsun infrared source in the merging galaxy system Arp 299. It is the most luminous object known that is not obviously associated with a galaxy nucleus. Our data show that the 8--13 \mum spectrum of Arp 299C has a strong \NeII emission line and emission features like those of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules. These emission features are characteristic of \HII regions associated with a burst of star formation. We did not detect any high-excitation ionic lines characteristic of an active galactic nucleus, nor a deep silicate absorption feature that might indicate a hidden compact nucleus. We deduce that Arp 299C is powered by an intense burst of star formation.
@article{arxiv.astro-ph/9302011,
title = {The 8-13 Micron Spectrum of Arp 299C},
author = {C. C. Dudley and C. G. Wynn-Williams},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:astro-ph/9302011},
year = {2009}
}
Comments
Eight pages with one figure included, Plain TeX with psfig macros included, IfA-93