The morphology of nearby low surface brightness galaxies

It is commonly assumed that low surface brightness (LSB) galaxies are dormant and quiescent systems. These conclusions are however based on observations of a large number of distant LSB galaxies. Here we show some first results of a study of very nearby galaxies, which suggest that the featureless systems observed at large distances resolve into complex and chaotic systems. We also present new data on NGC 6822, a dwarf galaxy in our Local Group, and argue that this object would be classified as a LSB galaxy if it were at a larger distance. It thus puts us in the unique position of being able to study a LSB galaxy at very high resolution, enabling us to get a better picture of the interaction between ISM, stars and dark matter in low density galaxies.