The near-infrared counterpart of a variable galactic plane radio source

Bruce Margon, Andrew C. Phillips, Robin Ciardullo, George H. Jacoby

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

We have identified a near-infrared counterpart to the highly variable, unresolved galactic plane radio source GT 0116 + 622. This source is of particular interest, as it has been previously suggested to be the counterpart of the γ-ray source Cas γ-1. Our near-infrared and red images detect a faint, spatially extended (3″ FWHM), very red object coincident with the radio position. There is complex spatial structure which may be due in part to an unrelated superposed foreground object. Observations on multiple nights show no evidence for flux variability, despite the high amplitude variability on a timescale of days reported for the radio source. The data are consistent with an interpretation of GT 0116 + 622 as an unusually variable, obscured active galaxy at a distance of several hundred megaparsecs, although more exotic, and in particular galactic, interpretations cannot yet be ruled out. If the object is extragalactic, the previously suggested identification with the γ-ray source would seem unlikely.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)924-926
Number of pages3
JournalAstronomical Journal
Volume103
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1992

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The near-infrared counterpart of a variable galactic plane radio source'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this