Resolved Mid-Infrared Emission in the Narrow-Line Region of NGC 4151
Abstract
We present subarcsecond-resolution mid-infrared images of NGC 4151 at 10.8 and 18.2 μm. These images were taken with the University of Florida mid-IR camera/spectrometer OSCIR at the Gemini North 8 m telescope. We resolve emission at both 10.8 and 18.2 μm, extending ~3.5" across at a P.A. of ~60°. This coincides with the narrow-line region of NGC 4151, as observed in [O III] by the Hubble Space Telescope. The most likely explanation for this extended mid-IR emission is dust in the narrow-line region heated by a central engine. We find no extended emission associated with the proposed torus and place an upper limit on its mid-IR size of <~35 pc.
- Publication:
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The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- April 2003
- DOI:
- arXiv:
- arXiv:astro-ph/0212307
- Bibcode:
- 2003ApJ...587..117R
- Keywords:
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- Galaxies: Individual: NGC Number: NGC 4151;
- Galaxies: Seyfert;
- Infrared: Galaxies;
- Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal, 19 pages including 5 figures