Neutral Gas Distribution and Kinematics of the Nearly Face – on Spiral Galaxy NGC 1232

We have analyzed high velocity resolution HI synthesis observations of the nearly face–on Sc galaxy NGC 1232. The neutral gas distribution extends well beyond the optical extent of the galaxy. As expected, local peaks in the HI column density are associated with the spiral arms. Further, the HI column density drops precipitously near the center of the galaxy. Closed contours in the velocity field suggest either that the system is warped, or that the rotation curve declines. The velocity dispersion is approximately constant throughout the system, with a median value of 9.9 ± 1.8 km s. When corrected for rotational broadening, there is no indication of a radial trend in the neutral gas velocity dispersion in this galaxy. Subject headings: galaxies: abundances — galaxies: individual (N1232, N1232A) — galaxies: kinematics and dynamics — galaxies: spiral