MCG +00-32-16 is the galaxy closest in position-velocity space to the lowest redshift Ly alpha absorber along the line of sight to the quasar 3C 273. Its projected separation is 204(d/19 Mpc) kpc, where d is the distance from the Milky Way to the galaxy, and the redshift difference is only 94 km s(-1); H I 1225+01 is slightly closer in projected separation to the absorber, but has a greater redshift difference. We present H I synthesis array mapping and CCD photometry in B and R for MCG +00-32-16. The H I disk is rotating in such a way that the side of the galaxy closer to the sight line to the quasar has the larger velocity difference from the absorber. The absorber may be a "failed dwarf" member of a poor galaxy group of which MCG +00-32-16 and H I 1225+01 are the only members to have formed stars.
Title
MCG +00-32-16: An irregular galaxy close to the lowest redshift absorber on the 3C 273 line of sight
Hoffman, G. L., et al. (1998 June 20) "MCG +00-32-16: An irregular galaxy close to the lowest redshift absorber on the 3C 273 line of sight." Astrophysical Journal 500 (2): 789-797.