The discovery of new galaxy members in the NGC 5044 and 1052 groups

We present the results of neutral hydrogen (HI) observations of the NGC 5044 and NGC 1052 groups, as part of a GEMS (Group Evolution Multiwave-length Study) investigation into the formation and evolution of galaxies in nearby groups. Two new group members have been discovered during a wide-field Hi imaging survey conducted using the ATNF Parkes telescope. These results, as well as those from follow-up HI synthesis and optical imaging, are presented here. J1320 - 1427, a new member of the NGC 5044 group, has an HI mass of M _HI = 1.05 × 10 ⁹ M⊙ and M _HI/L _B = 1.65 M⊙/L⊙, with a radial velocity of v = 2750 km s ^-1. The optical galaxy is characterized by two regions of star formation, surrounded by an extended, diffuse halo. J0249-0806, the new member of the NGC 1052 group, has M _HI =5.4 × 10 ⁸ M⊙, M _HI/L _R = 1.13 M⊙/L⊙ and v = 1450 kms ^-1. The optical image reveals a low-surface-brightness galaxy. We interpret both of these galaxies as irregular type, with J0249 - 0806 possibly undergoing first infall into the NGC 1052 group.