Imaging of the Shell Galaxies NGC 474 and NGC 7600, and Implications for their Formation


Abstract in English

We present photometric observations of two shell galaxies, NGC 474 and NGC 7600. We examine the photometric colours and surface brightnesses of the shells and their host galaxies, and the isophotal parameters of each galaxy. In the case of NGC 474, we find that the shell formation is consistent with a merger origin although it is possible that the close companion NGC 470 is contributing to the shell system via mass transfer. NGC 7600 exhibits shell geometry and colours which also favour a merger origin.

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