Discovery of Neutral Hydrogen Associated with the Shells of Elliptical Galaxies
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Session 42 -- Ellipticals
Display presentation, Thursday, January 13, 9:30-6:45, Salons I/II Room (Crystal Gateway)

## [42.01] Discovery of Neutral Hydrogen Associated with the Shells of Elliptical Galaxies

David Schiminovich, Jacqueline van Gorkom (Columbia University), J.M. van der Hulst (Kapteyn Institute)

We present VLA images and kinematics of neutral hydrogen associated with the shells of two elliptical galaxies, NGC 5128 (Centaurus A) and NGC 2865. We note in particular several striking features which the two galaxies have in common. In both galaxies, the HI distribution follows the curvature of the outermost `diffuse' shells, and is slightly offset, shifted to the outside of the shells. Furthermore, the HI shows a smooth gradient in velocity over \$\sim\$400 km/s with a sense of rotation similar to that of the main body of the optical galaxy. The similar properties of the gas near the shells challenge existing theories of shell formation.