ASTROPHYSICS: RESEARCH IN THE AREA OF ASTROPHYSICS REPORTED FROM E.Y. KHACHIKIAN AND COLLEAGUES

Science Letter
February 10, 2009

According to recent research published in the journal Astrophysics,
"The velocity field in the galaxy Mark 8 is studied by means of
observations with the 2.6-m telescope at the Byurakan Astrophysical
Observatory using the VAGR spectrograph. In the optical range, the
central portion of this galaxy consists of five bright condensations
which are superassociations (SA)."

"These studies were made in a wavelength range that encompasses
images of the galaxy in the H alpha and [NII] lambda lambda 6548 and
6583a" << emission lines. The radial velocity field was obtained. The
velocities of all the superassociations were measured and a rotation
curve constructed for the galaxy. The relative intensities of the
emission lines have been determined. Images are constructed in the
H alpha and [NII] lines and in the red continuum. It is concluded
that the superassociations were formed together and are, as a whole,
young," wrote E.Y. Khachikian and colleagues (see also Astrophysics).

The researchers concluded: "The shape of the rotation curve shows that
Mark 8 is an isolated galaxy with a composite multicomponent nucleus."

Khachikian and colleagues published their study in Astrophysics
(Velocity field in the galaxy Mark 8 with vigorous starburst
centres. Astrophysics, 2008;51(4):461-470).

For additional information, contact E.Y. Khachikian, VA Ambartsumyan
Byurakan Astrophysics Observ, Byurakan, Armenia.

The publisher’s contact information for the journal Astrophysics is:
Springer, Plenum Publishers, 233 Spring St., New York, NY 10013, USA.