The luminous host galaxy and anomalous Brackett-gamma line of Markarian 231.

December 1984 • 1984ApJ...287..566C

Authors • Cutri, R. M. • Rieke, G. H. • Lebofsky, M. J.

Abstract • New infrared observations have been made of the Seyfert galaxy Markarian 231. Multiaperture photometry reveals that the underlying galaxy is extremely luminous, with M(K) = -24.7. This implies that the Seyfert nucleus likely resides in a giant elliptical galaxy, or possibly in a galaxy which is undergoing a massive starburst. The strengths of the Paschen-alpha and Brackett-gamma lines of hydrogen have been measured using Fourier transform spectroscopy. An anomalously large Pa-alpha/Br-gamma ratio may imply that the electron density in the broad line clouds in Mrk 231 is much higher than that typically quoted for the broad-line regions of other active galaxies. The possible origin of the exceptional activity and the unusual spectroscopic properties in the nucleus of Mrk 231 are examined in the context of the nature of the host galaxy.

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