High-latitude H (I) in NGC 2613: Structure and dynamics

Studies of edge-on spiral galaxies have revealed a number of cases in which kiloparsec-scale H I features extend from the disk into the halo region. W e have obtained VLA CnB array 21 cm H I observations of NGC 2613, an edge-o n spiral galaxy 26 Mpc away. We report that NGC 2613 is an extremely massiv e galaxy with a nearby companion galaxy (ESO 495-G017). We present the firs t H I maps and masses for this companion. We have found three high-latitude features above the plane, symmetric in projection with three below the pla ne in NGC 2613. All six features show a multiple velocity structure, with s everal "spurs," as well as a trend to lag behind the disk gas with increasi ng distance from the plane. The radio continuum emission shows two large ex tensions associated with a strong continuum source in the disk. These are t he highest latitude discrete features clearly connected to a spiral galaxy yet detected in radio continuum. Moreover, two of the H I features show a s trong correlation with these large continuum extensions, with the continuum arranged on the perimeter of the H I. We postulate that these features wer e formed by some mechanism internal to the galaxy, possibly by spatially co rrelated supernovae or by the action of a preexisting relativistic jet flow ing through the plane of the galaxy.