High-resolution 1666-MHz observations of the nucleus of NGC 4151

We present a 1666-MHz radio continuum map of the nucleus of NGC 4151. The high angular resolution (0.25 arcsec) enables us to resolve the nucleus into an elongated structure approximately 3.5 arcsec × 0.5 arcsec in position angle 77°. A double source is present in the centre with a separation of 0.45 arcsec at PA 83° ± 1°. We interpret the observations in terms of jets pointing at PA $$\sim 80^{\circ}\,\text{and}\,\sim 260^{\circ}$$ and discuss the relationship of the jets with the forbidden-line region. The optical continuum polarization of the nucleus appears to be closely aligned with the radio jet – a phenomenon also observed in a number of quasi-stellar objects.