Apertif view of the OH megamaser IRAS 10597+5926: OH 18 cm satellite lines in wide-area H I surveys

We present the serendipitous detection of two main OH maser lines at 1667 and 1665 MHz associated with IRAS 10597+5926 z = 0.19612 in untargeted Apertif Wide-area Extragalactic Survey (AWES), subsequent measurement 1612 satellite line same source. With a total luminosity log(L/L_Sun) 3.90 +/- 0.03, is fourth brightest megamaser (OHM) known. measure lower limit for 1667/1612 ratio R_1612 > 45.9 which highest limiting measured to date. measurements provide potentially valuable constraint by compare detailed models pumping mechanisms. Optical imaging shows galaxy likely late-stage merger. Based on published infrared far ultraviolet fluxes, we find that an ultra luminous (ULIRG) log(L_TIR/L_Sun) 12.24, undergoing star burst estimated formation rate 179 40 M_Sun/yr. These host properties are consistent physical conditions responsible very bright OHM emission. Finally, update predicted number masers may be found AWES, estimate will detected each individual 18 cm lines.