| Abstract | Multiarray VLA H I observations have been made of the radio lobe spiral galaxy, NGC 3079, and its two companions, NGC 3073 and MCG 9-17-9. The H I line profiles for NGC 3079 have been modeled by taking into account of all density and velocity variations along the line of sight in this highly inclined galaxy. The resulting velocity field and three-dimensional gas distribution are found to be adequately (though not uniquely) represented by simple smooth functions and most of the derived parameters are well defined, including a large vertical scale height for the disk. These results are compared in some detail to those from more conventional methods, notably a "moment analysis." The residual line profiles suggest the presence of at least one spiral arm as well as a feature on the southern (disturbed) major axis which is redshifted to anomalously high velocities. The nuclear absorption profiles at different resolutions suggest that both infall and outflow may be occurring, though the geometry and dynamics of this process are not yet clear. An enhancement, rather than a decline in H I density toward the active nucleus is also implied. |
