ISOCAM images at 6.75 and 15 microns: the circumnuclear region of NGC 4321 (M 100)

Abstract

We present ISOCAM images (1.5"/px) in the LW2 (6.75 microns) and LW3 (15 microns) broad band filters of the circumnuclear starburst of NGC 4321 (M 100). A detailed comparison with the emission at other wavelengths (U, B, Halpha, and CO) is also presented. The nature and intensity of the mid-infrared emission is shown to be remarkably different from one star forming region to the next. For instance, star forming regions at the ends of the nuclear bar may contain enshrouded Wolf-Rayet stars.

Accepted for publication in A&A Letter. LaTeX using l-aa.sty. 4 pages, 1 Gif figure included (PS format at ftp://www-obs.cnrs-mrs.fr/wozniak/m100-fig.ps-gz)