shells and extensions in its light profile (Malin 1978), and a young tidal stream in its halo (Peng, Ford, Freeman, & White 2002). It is also known to have a bimodal distribution of globular cluster metallicities (Zepf & Ashman 1993; Held [et al. ]{}1997). [NGC 5128]{} is by far the nearest active radio galaxy, and exhibits signatures of recent star formation where the radio jet has interacted with shells of (Graham 1998). For a recent and complete review of this galaxy, see Israel (1998). The combination of its proximity and post-merger state makes [NGC 5128]{} an excellent target for a detailed study.

[NGC 5128]{}’s peculiar appearance and nature has long led astronomers to believe that it is somehow unique. However, as Ebneter & Balick (1983) point out in their review, the galaxy’s proximity permits us to collect data more detailed than for most other galaxies, and thus makes it seem more peculiar. In fact, [NGC 5128]{} is rather typical member of the population of dusty elliptical galaxies and radio galaxies. Massive galaxies with old stellar populations and central dust obscuration are known to host radio sources in both the local universe and at redshifts out to and beyond $z\sim1$ (e.g. 