Shell structure in NGC 5128

Abstract

Specially processed photographs are presented which show a system of shells within the extended elliptical component of the giant radio galaxy NGC 5128. The photographic techniques are outlined. The system of shells is interpreted as being the aftermath of a merger with a smaller disk galaxy about 10<SUP>9</SUP> yr ago. The authors discuss the possibility that this same event produced the broad dust lane and the associated stars and gas which presently form a rapidly rotating subsystem of the galaxy.