MIDINFRARED [NE-II] LINE EMISSION FROM THE NUCLEUS OF NGC-253

We report on mid-infrared continuum and line emission mapping of the n ucleus of NGC 253. The data, with a resolution of 1.'' 4, reveal a dou ble-peaked arclike [Ne II] emission region. Comparison with published data shows that the [Ne Ir] are is centered on the nucleus of the gala xy. The brightest [Ne Ir] source coincides with the infrared continuum peak. The interpretation of these results is complicated by the edge- on orientation of NGC 253, but a self-consistent explanation is a star formation triggered by dynamical resonances in a barred potential.