The possible existence of two dark matter free galaxies ( NGC1052-DF2 and NGC1052-DF4 ) in the field of the early-type galaxy NGC 1052 presents a challenge to theories of dwarf galaxy formation according to the current cosmological paradigm .
We carried out a search for signatures of past interactions connected to the putative hosts of NGC 1052-DF2 and NGC 1052-DF4 using a very deep L -band image obtained with the 0.7 m Jeanne Rich telescope that reach a surface brightness limit of 28.5 mag arcsec ^ { -2 } in the r band .
We found several low-surface brightness features , possibly consistent with an ongoing merger history in this group .
We find a tidal interaction between NGC 1052 and NGC 1047 , confirming a physical association .
Furthermore we find a stellar loop around NGC 1052 in the direction of NGC 1042 and a stellar stream pointing in the direction of NGC 1052-DF2 – but both are not directly connected .
We find no evidence for a recent tidal interaction for NGC 1052-DF2 and NGC 1052-DF4 .
No low surface brightness features have been uncovered around the spiral galaxy NGC 1042 , which leaves the association ( physical or projected ) between NGC 1052 and NGC 1042 ambiguous , though they have similar radial velocities .
Their association will only be established once accurate distances to both objects have been measured .