Spectrum of quasar HE0450-2958, the Blob and the companion galaxy (FORS/VLT)

This image presents the spectra of the three objects indicated in the image eso0529b as obtained with FORS1 on ESO's Very Large Telescope. The spectrum of the companion galaxy shown on the top panel reveals strong star formation. Thanks to the image sharpening process, it has been possible to separate very well the spectra of the quasar (centre) from that of the blob (bottom). The spectrum of the blob shows exclusively strong narrow emission lines having properties indicative of ionisation by the quasar light. There is no trace of stellar light, down to very faint levels, in the surrounding of the quasar.