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Extended ionized gas in the Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 4388

Journal Article · · Astrophys. J.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/166687· OSTI ID:6862200

Recent CCD emission-line imaging and spectrophotometry of the edge-on Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 4388 is reported. Deep CCD images through narrow interference filters isolating the emission lines of H-alpha + forbidden N II 6548, 6583 A and of forbidden O III 5007 A have revealed a very richly structured complex of extended, ionized gas clouds surrounding the nucleus and extending high above the plane of the galaxy. Long-slit low-resolution spectrophotometry of these regions show them to have relatively high-excitation spectra consistent with photoionization by the nuclear power-law continuum. A simple ionization map obtained from the emission-line images shows the high-ionization gas to be distributed into two opposed radiation cones emanating from the nucleus; the southern cone being the most well defined, and the northern cone not appearing until it emerges from behind the optical disk of the galaxy. 38 references.

Research Organization:
Lick Observatory, Santa Cruz, CA (USA)
OSTI ID:
6862200
Journal Information:
Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 332; ISSN ASJOA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English