Structure of the OH/infrared object NML Cygnus. I. Analysis of the near-infrared image.

Direct photographs of the image of NML Cyg obtained at an effective wavelength of about 8000 A at the prime focus of the Lick 120-inch (3-m) reflector have been analyzed photometrically in an attempt to determine if the image of the star is extended or nebulous. It was concluded that no nebulosity comparable with that at VY CMa is present, and that the image of NML Cyg is entirely stellar: the star is indistinguishable from the image of a uniform disk 0'.'7 or less in diameter. Thus, there is no extension of NML Cyg comparable with the size of the 1612-MHz source (about 2'!5 and 35) determined by Davies, Masheder, and Booth. Subject heading: infrared sources