A spectroscopic investigation of the nebulosity around low-luminosity quasars

Off-nuclear spectra have been obtained for a sample of t2 low-redshift optically selected QSOs. Simple techniques involving spectral differences between the nucleus and the nebulosity were used to effectively remove the scattered light. Ten of the 12 objects were found to be embedded in nebulosity dominated by starlight. Three of the objects show probable Mg I λ5175 absorption, and one shows possible Hβ absorption. Mg I b absorption at a strength typical of an elliptical galaxy can be ruled out in two of the objects. The luminosities of these underlying galaxies, derived from models, are 1-2 mag below brightest cluster members. Arguments involving the central concentration of galaxies and the amount of gas required to produce the observed emission lines suggest that most of the underlying galaxies are spirals.