  We present high spatial resolution mid-IR images of the nuclear region of NGC
5128 (Centaurus A). Images were obtained at 8.8 micron, N-band (10.4 micron),
and 18.3 micron using the mid-IR imager/spectrometer T-ReCS on Gemini South.
These images show a bright unresolved core surrounded by low-level extended
emission. We place an upper limit to the size of the unresolved nucleus of 3.2
pc (0.19") at 8.8 micron and 3.5 pc (0.21") at 18.3 micron at the level of the
FWHM. The most likely source of nuclear mid-IR emission is from a dusty torus
and possibly dusty narrow line region with some contribution from synchrotron
emission associated with the jet as well as relatively minor starburst
activity. Clumpy tori models are presented which predict the mid-IR size of
this torus to be no larger than 0.05" (0.85pc). Surrounding the nucleus is
extensive low-level mid-IR emission. Previously observed by ISO and Spitzer,
this paper presents to date the highest spatial resolution mid-IR images of
this extended near nuclear structure. Much of the emission is coincident with
Pa-alpha sources seen by HST implying emission from star forming areas, however
evidence for jet induced star formation, synchrotron emission from the jet, a
nuclear bar/ring, and an extended dusty narrow emission line region is also
discussed.
