Host Galaxies of 2MASS-Selected QSOs to Redshift 0.3

July 2003 • 2003AJ....126...63H

Authors • Hutchings, J. B. • Maddox, N. • Cutri, R. M. • Nelson, B. O.

Abstract • We present and discuss optical imaging of 76 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) that represent the selected Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) sample for z<0.3, from a full list of 243. They are found to have dust-obscured nuclei, residing in host galaxies that show a high fraction (greater than 70%) of tidal interactions. The derived luminosities of the AGNs and host galaxies are similar to traditionally selected AGNs, and they may comprise some 40% of the total AGN population at low redshift. We have measured a number of host galaxy properties and discuss their distributions and interrelations. We compare the 2MASS AGNs with optically selected samples and the IRAS-selected galaxy samples and discuss the differences in terms of merger processes and initial conditions.

Based on observations made with the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, which is operated by the National Research Council of Canada, the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique of France, and the University of Hawaii.

Links

View on ADS

IPAC Authors
(alphabetical)

Roc Cutri

IPAC Deputy Director