The circumnuclear environment of the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 3516

Results of an emission-line imaging and spectrophotometric study of the ionized gas in the circumnuclear regions of the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 3516 are reported. The morphology and ionization of the gas are consistent with excitation by the power law continuum from the active nucleus. The optical emission-line gas is well aligned with the extended 6 cm radio-continuum emission. The ionization, structure, and published kinematical data are strongly suggestive of an outflow origin for the circumnuclear gas, although important details are missing to firmly establish outflow as the origin of all of the ionized gas. 31 refs