IRAS 16511+2354: A Type II Quasar

Both the (ultra) luminous infrared galaxies and quasars are associated with mergers. IRAS 16511+2354 is a luminous infrared galaxy hosting a type II quasar. Based on deep optical images, we find weak asymmetrical features that are most probably of tidal origin. The spectral energy distribution of the object was fitted with models accounting for the host galaxy and the nucleus. We derive the star formation rate related to the emission of the starburst component in the far-infrared: SFRIR = 36.7(-3.8)(+2.9) M(circle dot)yr(-1).