Infrared observations of the X-ray quasars 0241 + 622 and MR2251–178

Abstract

Two new quasars have recently been found through X-ray observations (the only other one being 3C273, see refs 1, 2). Ricker et al.³ have reported observations confirming the identification of the X-ray source 2251–178 with a quasar of visual magnitude 14.1. Canizares, McClintock, and Ricker⁴ have reported visual spectrophotometric observations of this quasar, and find its visual spectrum is much like other low redshift quasars. Apparao et al.⁵ have reported the discovery of a low redshift quasar identified with the X-ray source 4U0241 + 61. Margon and Kwitter⁶ have reported detailed visual spectrophotometry of this quasar, 0241 + 622, and likewise find that its spectrum is typical of low redshift quasars. Because of the importance of establishing any morphologically unique characteristics of X-ray quasars, these quasars should be observed at all possible wavelengths. We report here IR observations of the two newly discovered X-ray quasars. These observations indicate that the X-ray quasars have IR properties typical of low redshift quasars, and, along with 3C273, are among the brightest known quasars at IR wavelengths.