High-resolution mapping of the nucleus of NGC 5128 (Cen A) at J, H and K

High-resolution near-IR maps of the nucleus of Cen A show a pronounced asymmetry for wavelengths of 1.2 and 1.6μm. The axis of this extension lies perpendicular to the dust lane along the X-ray jet axis. Comparisons with CCD images show the optical nucleus to lie 5.8+-0.3 arcsec to the NE of the 2.2-μm nucleus at PAapprox.450, so it may possibly be identified as source N on the VLA radio maps. The 2.2-μm source is tentatively identified with a faint object on an Hα photograph and must be considered to be the true or principal nucleus of Cen A. The radial intensity of the 2.2-μm source is well fitted by de Vaucouleurs' law to within 1-2 arcsec of the nucleus and radial J-H/H-K variations show the existent of a approx.24-arcsec diameter core within the optical dust lane. (author)