The galaxies in the field of the nearby GRB 980425/SN 1998bw

Abstract

We present spectroscopic observations of ESO 184-G82, the host galaxy of GRB 980425/SN 1998bw, and six galaxies in its field. A host redshift of z = 0.0087 ± 0.0006 is derived, consistent with that measured by Tinney et al. (1998, IAU Circ., 6896). Redshifts are obtained for the six surrounding galaxies observed. Three of these galaxies lie within 11 Mpc of each other, confirming the suggestion that some of these galaxies form a group. However, all of the field galaxies observed lie at significantly greater distances than ESO 184-G82 and are therefore not associated with it. The host galaxy of GRB 980425/SN 1998bw thus appears to be an isolated dwarf galaxy and interactions with other galaxies do not seem to be responsible for its star formation. © ESO 2006.