HST Narrow Band Planetary Camera Observations of M31 and M51

Details HST Narrow Band Planetary Camera Observations of M31 and M51 HST Narrow Band Planetary Camera Observations of M31 and M51

May 1992

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1992aas...180.5403f&link_type=abstract

American Astronomical Society, 180th AAS Meeting, #54.03; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 24, p.818

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

5

Scientific paper

We present HST narrow band PC images of M31 and M51. The center of M31 is completely resolved by the F658N and F547M images. Both images show a bar-like structure with a length of ~ 0.5'' (1.6 parsecs) and a bright resolved ``nucleus'' which is offset from the isophotal (and dynamical) center of the galaxy by ~ 0.2'' (0.65 parsecs). The difference between the [N II] lambda 6584 on-band image and the F547M off-band image shows extended emission across the center of the bar-like structure. We discuss two possible explanations for the morphology of the central region: i) the bright displaced nucleus is the center of a satellite galaxy which has been captured by dynamical friction, and ii) the apparent off-set nucleus is the end of a bar-like structure which is partially obscured by dust associated with the observed emission. Images of M51 were taken through the F502N, F547M, and F664N filters. The continuum image shows a striking X-like absorption feature, most likely due to dust, centered on the nucleus. The most prominent ``dust lane'' divides the nucleus and is perpendicular to thearcsecond, nonthermal radio emission observed with the VLA. The on-band images show strong [O III] and Hα emission perpendicular to the dust lane and aligned with the radio jet. The images do not show a stellar source at the center of the galaxy. The nucleus and central radio source appear to be hidden behind the dust lane which could be an edge-on disk. We briefly discuss future FOS observations of M31 and M51. This work is supported by NASA-GSFC grant NAG 5-1630.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

HST Narrow Band Planetary Camera Observations of M31 and M51 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with HST Narrow Band Planetary Camera Observations of M31 and M51, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and HST Narrow Band Planetary Camera Observations of M31 and M51 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1513387