Abstract:
NGC 6300 is characterized on the basis of BV photometric plates and VBRI multiple-aperture photoelectric photometry (obtained with the 0.9-m telescope at CTIO) and long-slit image-tube spectra (obtained at the Ritchey-Chretien focus of the 4-m telescope at CTIO in July 1981). The data are presented in extensive tables, graphs, and maps and characterized in detail, contrasting the morphology of NGC 6300 to that of NGC 1433 (studied by Buta, 1986). Features discussed include a broad spirallike single inner ring, a strong mainly radial color gradient inside the ring, dust lanes at the bar leading edge, inward motions at velocity up to 100 km/s along the minor axis, and a V light distribution consistent (assuming a constant light/mass ratio) with pure circular rotation.
