An HI study of a tidally interacting BCD pair, ESO 435-IG20 and ESO-IG16

Blue Compact Dwarf galaxies (BCDs) are systems which have been experiencing the bursts of star formation in their central region. As one of the origins of active star formation, tidal interaction (merger or fly-by between dwarf galaxies) has been suggested. A pair of BCDs, ESO 435-IG20 and ESO 435-IG16, are suspected to be a good example of such case. They are located at a similar redshift and separated only by ~130 kpc at their distances. In addition a bridge-like HI structure has been found between these two BCDs in the HIPASS survey. In this study, using the ATCA HI data of a much better resolution, we probe the gas morphology and kinematics of individual galaxies. We discuss how tidal interaction is responsible for the high star formation rate in this BCD pair.