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We have obtained a large number of Hubble Space Telescope WFPC2 observations of the cores of active galaxies at z$<$ 0.03. The observations were carried out using the F606W filter, similar to the V band, which gives a high throughput for a good signal to noise ratio.
The 0.046 arcsec/pixel resolution afforded by the WFPC2 has enabled us to link the morphological charcateristics to the specrtal properties of AGN. Specifically, we have been able to see whether Seyfert 1 galaxies show a strong point source at their center, and Seyfert 2 galaxies have an obscured central engine, as predicted by the current model. During this analysis we have identified several candidates which fail to conform to this model.
Additionally, a number of galaxies have shown heavily disturbed nuclei. Others have cores penetrated by dust lanes, some have double nuclei, and a significant number have barred structures.
Correlations have also been drawn between other characteristics such as polarization and emission in other wavelengths, with particular application to unified schemes and models.
