A Kinematic Model for the Narrow-Line Region in NGC 4151

Abstract

We present a simple kinematic model for the narrow-line region (NLR) of the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 4151, based on our previous observations of extended [O III] emission with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph. The model is similar to a biconical radial outflow model developed for the Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 1068, except that the bicone axis is tilted much more into our line of sight (40° out of the plane of the sky instead of 5°), and the maximum space velocities are lower (750 km s^-1 instead of 1300 km s^-1). We find evidence for radial acceleration of the emission-line knots to a distance of 160 pc, followed by deceleration that approaches the systemic velocity at a distance of 290 pc (for a distance to NGC 4151 of 13.3 Mpc). Other similarities to the kinematics of NGC 1068 are (1) there are a number of high-velocity clouds that are not decelerated, suggesting that the medium responsible for the deceleration is patchy, and (2) the bicone in NGC 4151 is at least partially evacuated along its axis. Together, these two Seyfert galaxies provide strong evidence for radial outflow (e.g., due to radiation and/or wind pressure) and against gravitational motion or expansion away from the radio jets as the principal kinematic component in the NLR.