Stellar indices and kinematics in Seyfert 1 nuclei

We present spectra of six type 1 and two type 2 Seyfert galaxies, a starbur st galaxy and a compact narrow-line radio galaxy, taken in two spectral ran ges centred around the near-infrared Call triplet (similar to 8600 Angstrom ), and the Mgb stellar feature at 5180 Angstrom. We measured the equivalent widths (EWs) of these features and the Fe-52 and Fe-53 spectral indices. We found that the strength of the infrared Ca II triplet (CaT) in type 1 Se yfert galaxies with prominent central point sources is larger than what wou ld be expected from the observed strength of the blue indices. This could b e explained by the presence of red supergiants in the nuclei of Seyfert 1 g alaxies. On the other hand, the blue indices of these galaxies could also b e diluted by the strong Fe II multiplets that can be seen in their spectra. We have also measured the stellar- and gas-velocity dispersions of the gala xies in the sample. The stellar velocity dispersions were measured using bo th the Mgb and CaT stellar features. The velocity dispersion of the gas in the narrow-line region (NLR) was measured using the strong emission lines [ O III] lambda lambda 5007, 4959 and [S III] lambda 9069. We compare the gas and star-velocity dispersions and find that the magnitudes of both are cor related in Seyfert galaxies. Most of the Seyfert 1 galaxies that we observe have stellar-velocity disper sions somewhat greater than that of the gas in the NLR.