Optical Positions of Bright Galaxies South of +200 Declination

Abstract

To study the radio emission of bright galaxies, it has been found that their coordinates are needed with an accuracy considerably greater than that available from the NGC and IC catalogues. Their radio emission is usually weak and often intermingled with the emission of more distant radio galaxies and quasars. Unless a reasonably precise position is available it is not always possible to decide what proportion of any observed emission is associated with the galaxy. In the course of a series of observations with the Mills Cross radio telescope at the Molonglo Radio Observatory, it was necessary to remeasure the optical positions of the galaxies on the programme. These positions are likely to be of general use and are therefore presented separately from the results of the radio bservations.