Resolving IRAS 09111 − 1007 at 350 microns : a different path to ULIRG formation ?

We have resolved the ultraluminous infrared galaxy (ULIRG), IRAS 09111 − 1007, with the new 350μm-optimised Second Generation Submillimeter High Angular Resolution Camera (SHARC II) and present the first submillimetre fluxes and images for the system. IRAS 09111 − 1007 comprises two interacting luminous infrared galaxies (LIRGs) with a projected nuclear separation of 39 h 71 kpc. The Western galaxy is roughly four times more luminous in the submillimetre than its Eastern counterpart. It is an extremely bright LIRG with an AGN. The classification of the Eastern source is uncertain: it could be a Seyfert 2 galaxy or a LINER. We highlight IRAS 09111−1007 as a system that necessitates further study: a double AGN ULIRG whose molecular gas content differs from other widely separated pairs and whose ULIRG phase might not be explained by current multiple merger and/or final stage ULIRG scenarios.