Document Type
Journal Article
Role
Author
Standard Number
0035-8711
Journal Title
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Volume
451
Issue
3
First Page
3192
Last Page
3209
Publication Date
2015
Abstract
We present Australia Telescope Compact Array radio data of the dwarf irregular galaxy ESO 324-G024 which is seen in projection against the giant, northern lobe of the radio galaxy Centaurus A (Cen A, NGC 5128). The distorted morphology and kinematics of ESO 324-G024, as observed in the 21 cm spectral line emission of neutral hydrogen, indicate disruptions by external forces. We investigate whether tidal interactions and/or ram pressure stripping are responsible for the formation of the H Itail stretching to the north-east of ESO 324-G024 with the latter being most probable. Furthermore, we closely analyse the sub-structure of Cen A's polarized radio lobes to ascertain whether ESO 324-G024 is located in front, within or behind the northern lobe. Our multiwavelength, multicomponent approach allows us to determine that ESO 324-G024 is most likely behind the northern radio lobe of Cen A. This result helps to constrain the orientation of the lobe, which is likely inclined to our line of sight by approximately 60° if NGC 5128 and ESO 324-G024 are at the same distance.
Repository Citation
Johnson, M., C.; Kamphuis, P.; Koribalski, S., B.; Hill S., A. (2015). "Blasting away a dwarf galaxy: the ‘tail’ of ESO 324-G024," MNRAS 451(3):3192-3209.