High spatial-resolution IRAS images of M51

Abstract

High spatial-resolution (approx. equal to 30 seconds) images of M51 in the four Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS) bands (12, 25, 60, and 100 microns) have been obtained. The spatial variation in flux in all four bands is coincident with the spiral features seen in H alpha and 6 cm with a few exceptions. In the nuclear region (4 minutes) the position of the peak of maximum intensity shifts in relation to the visual nucleus: it is coincident with the nucleus at 12 microns, shifts approximately 45 seconds to south-southwest, and is 45 seconds northwest of the nucleus at 60 and 100 microns