A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
On the galaxy surrounding the BL Lacertae object MS 0205.7+3509
Authors: Falomo R, Kotilainen J, Pursimo T, Sillanpaa A, Takalo L, Heidt J
Publisher: EDP SCIENCES S A
Publication year: 1997
Journal name in source: ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS
Journal acronym: ASTRON ASTROPHYS
Volume: 321
Issue: 2
First page : 374
Last page: 378
Number of pages: 5
ISSN: 0004-6361
Abstract
We present high spatial resolution optical images of the BL Lac object MS 0205.7+3509 in the R filter, that allow us to discuss and clarify its anomalous properties. The source was previously claimed to be surrounded by a nebulosity decentered with respect to the bright nucleus. In addition the host was claimed to be a disc dominated galaxy, contrary to the large majority of the hosts of BL Lacs. We find that there is a companion galaxy at about 2 '' from MS 0205.7+3509, which is responsible for many of the anomalous properties reported for this source. The observations are discussed in the context of the microlensing hypothesis for BL Lacs.
We present high spatial resolution optical images of the BL Lac object MS 0205.7+3509 in the R filter, that allow us to discuss and clarify its anomalous properties. The source was previously claimed to be surrounded by a nebulosity decentered with respect to the bright nucleus. In addition the host was claimed to be a disc dominated galaxy, contrary to the large majority of the hosts of BL Lacs. We find that there is a companion galaxy at about 2 '' from MS 0205.7+3509, which is responsible for many of the anomalous properties reported for this source. The observations are discussed in the context of the microlensing hypothesis for BL Lacs.