Structure and kinematics of the peculiar galaxy NGC 128

This is a multiband photometric and spectroscopic study of the peculiar S0 galaxy NGC 128. We present results from broad (B and R) and narrow (H alpha ) band optical CCD photometry, near (NIR) and far (FIR) infrared observatio ns, long slit spectroscopy, and Fabry-Perot interferometry (CIGALE). The peculiar peanut shape morphology of the galaxy is observed both at opti cal and near-infrared wavelengths. The stellar disk is thick and distorted (arc-bended), with a color asymmetry along the major axis due to the presen ce of a large amount of dust, estimated through NIR and FIR data of similar to 6 10(6) M., in the region of interaction with the companion galaxy NGC 127. The color maps are nearly uniform over the whole galaxy, but for the major axis asymmetry, and a small gradient toward the center indicating the prese nce of a redder disklike component. The H alpha image indeed reveals the ex istence of a tilted gaseous "disk" around the center, oriented with the maj or axis toward the companion galaxy NGC 127. Long slit and CIGALE data confirm the presence of gas in a disk-like compon ent counter-rotating and inclined approximately of 50 degrees to the line o f sight. The mass of the gas disk in the inner region is similar to 2.7 10( 4) M.. The stellar velocity field is cylindrical up to the last measured points of the derived rotation curves, while the velocity dispersion profiles are ty pical for an S0 galaxy, but for an extended constant behaviour along the mi nor axis.