THE ORIENTATION OF WARPS IN THE LOCAL GROUP

The three major spiral galaxies in the Local Group are known to be war ped. The question is investigated of whether or not these three warps are aligned. Using available HI observations we find that they are not iceably aligned. Vectors defining the warp orientation form the follow ing angles: [M 31, M 33]=33 degrees; [M 31, Milky Way]=35 degrees; [M 33, Milky Way]=4 degrees The alignment of the directions of the warp l ines of nodes is lower even though also noticeable.