The Extended Mid-Infrared Structure of the Circinus Galaxy

Abstract

We present subarcsecond resolution mid-IR images of the Circinus galaxy at 8.74 and 18.33 μm. We resolve extended emission at both wavelengths, extending ~2'' from each side of the nucleus in an approximate east-west direction. These extensions are spatially coincident with previously detected compact (~30 pc) V-shaped [O III] emission extending northwest of the nucleus as well as countercone [Si VI] emission, emission at these wavelengths interpreted as delineating the interface between inflowing material and the ionization cone. We detect no extended mid-IR emission associated with the structure responsible for collimating the ionizing photons (i.e., obscuring torus or disk of material), limiting the flux density of the obscuring structure to ≤0.27 mJy or a diameter of ≤020 (≤4 pc).