A concentration of quasars around the jet galaxy NGC1097

TL;DR

This study observes a significant concentration of quasars around galaxy NGC1097, with increased density and brightness near the galaxy, suggesting a possible physical association or underlying structure.

Contribution

It provides new evidence of quasar clustering around NGC1097, including the identification of elliptical rings of quasars at specific radii.

Findings

Increased quasar density near NGC1097

Quasars closer to the galaxy are brighter

Identification of quasar rings at 20' and 40'

Abstract

A quasar search in the region of the active galaxy NGC 1097 yielded 31 quasars in 1984. After completion of the 2dF survey in 2004 the number of catalogued quasars just within 1 degree of the galaxy increased to 142. About 38 $\pm$ 10 of these are in excess of average background values. The evidence in 1984 is confirmed here by an increasing density of quasars as one approaches NGC 1097. Quasars within 1 degree differ from the background by being significantly brighter. There also appear two elliptical rings or arcs of quasars at r $\sim$ 20'and 40'.