Rutgers University Astrophysics Seminar - NOTE SPECIAL DAY, TIME, ROOM

Abstract: Superthin galaxies are bulgeless, late-type spiral galaxies seen edge-on. HI synthesis observations probe the kinematic structure of their interstellar medium. I shall present the results of high-sensitivity VLA observations of UGC7321, IC2233, UGC3697 and UGC10043. Two of these galaxies are rather isolated while the other two are the dominant members of small groups. We have detected a pattern of "corrugations" in IC 2233, the first such detection in neutral Hydrogen in an external galaxy. UGC 3697, the "Integral Sign" galaxy shows a spectacular S-shaped bending that has been triggered by the passage of an intruder through its disk. UGC 10043, not quite a superthin galaxy, has presented us with an unexpected, rich interaction with a previously unknown companion which is reminiscent of the M51 system (the Whirlpool galaxy) "seen from the side." These results have required the development (in collaboration with Bill Cotton) of an algorithm to correct the VLA beam-squint. This in turn has presented us with the pieces of a VLA pipeline. I'll discuss this development briefly and (time-permitting) I shall include a "live" demonstration of the squint-correcting algorithm.