2008A&A...485..425L

In this paper we present for the first time high spatial resolution K-band maps of the central kinematical and near-infrared spectral properties of the giant cD galaxy in the Fornax cluster, NGC1399. We confirm the presence of a central velocity dispersion dip within r≤0.2" seen in previous long-slit studies. Our velocity dispersion maps give evidence of a non-symmetric structure in this central area by showing three σ peaks to the north-east, south-east and west of the galaxy centre. Additionally we measure near-IR line strength indices at unprecedented spatial resolution in NGC1399. The most important features we observe in our 2-dimensional line strength maps are drops in NaI and CO(2-0) line strength in the nuclear region of the galaxy, coinciding spatially with the drop in σ. The observed line strength and velocity dispersion changes suggest a scenario where the centre of NGC1399 harbours a dynamically cold subsystem with a distinct stellar population.