K-band Surface Photometry of the Circinus galaxy
Abstract
NIR K-band mosaic and optical B and I-band images of the Circinus galaxy (SA(s)b, 4 Mpc) were taken to study the large-scale structure and the dust opacity. The K-band mosaic image, covering ~ 10.5' x 4.5' , is the first full-coverage K-band image ever taken for this galaxy. 315 image frames were combined to produce the final mosaic with a total integration time of 15 mins/pixel. With very low dust extinction, this astonishing image clearly reveals the large-scale spiral arms at 220" radius, and a nuclear ring or nuclear spiral sturcture at 15" radius. Although not very distinctive, the oval-shaped bar resides at ~ 50" radius. We will present the first K-band surface photometry results for the Circinus galaxy. OKP acknowledges the financial support as scholarships funded by the Australian National University and the Department of Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DEETYA) of Australia.
- Publication:
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American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2000
- Bibcode:
- 2000AAS...19711113P