4-quadrant Phase Mask Coronagraphy of the nucleus of NGC 1068 with NAOS-CONICA
Abstract
We present recent observations of NGC 1068 with NAOS-CONICA on VLT, using the new four quadrant phase mask that we recently developed. Thanks to the use of this new type of coronagraph, the complex dusty neighborhood of the central source is observable at a resolution of 0.07". Previous K band adaptive optics observations of this AGN suffered from limited exposure time either than scattered light in the immediate vicinity of the core. Our images reveal structures comparable to those previously observed at 3.8 and 4.8 microns. North of the nucleus, an elongated bending structure is followed by a series of four elongated and aligned knots. Given the direction they align on, this knots may trace shocks induced in the ISM by the passage of the jet, very close to its origin. Precise relative photometry agrees well with our previous interpretation. Near Infrared flux from these knots may be dominated by the emission of VSG, transiently heated by the central source. Coronagraphy coupled with adaptive optics is a new way to study the direct environment of the core of closest AGN, and these images show the benefit of using such a device with ground based telescope.
- Publication:
-
SF2A-2004: Semaine de l'Astrophysique Francaise
- Pub Date:
- December 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004sf2a.conf..183G