GALAXY PAIRS AND STAR FORMATION ACTIVITY IN HICKSON COMPACT GROUPS

The effect of galaxy interaction on star formation in dense environment through the far-infrared emission (FIR) of galaxies has been investigated using data of Hickson Compact Groups (HCGs). We have identified 470 galaxy pairs with proximity criterion cr ≤ 390, and 358 galaxy pairs with (rp) less than 100 Kpc and ∆V ≤ 350 km/s. We identified 41 close galaxy pairs with projected separations (rp) less than 25Kpc and difference in velocity ∆V ≤ 100 km/s. The star formation rate (SFR) of galaxies in galaxy pairs is found to be enhanced for close galaxy pairs. The large fraction of star formation activity is probably due to the activity in the exchange of matter between the companions. The catalogue of galaxy pairs in HCGs has been established.