2001PASP..113.1515A

We present photometric and spectroscopic observations of the peculiar object AM 2049-691, whose most remarkable features are (1) two distinct nuclei connected by a bridge and (2) two tails. We studied seven zones and found that they have spectral features typical of H II regions of low excitation, electron temperatures and densities in the range of normal values for such regions, and quite high internal reddening. The derived Hα+N II equivalent widths suggest enhanced star formation when a comparison is made with isolated galaxies, especially in the northeast nucleus; the equivalent width of the integrated spectrum reflects starburst activity in the whole object, which is compatible with a merger of two disk galaxies. We detected a comparative overabundance of nitrogen relative to oxygen in the southwest nucleus, which has the most evolved population. The bridge between the nuclei was also observed in Hα emission. B-V colors of the nuclei, after correction for internal absorption, also indicate that they are star-forming regions. The central radial velocity dispersions at the nuclei suggest that the most massive galaxy might be the progenitor of the southwest component. The observed radial velocity distribution shows the presence of two subsystems, each one associated with a different nucleus.