LIGHT AND COLOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE CORE OF M32

We present results from high-resolution imaging of the central region of M32 in the U, B, R and 1-mu-m bands. The resolutions (FWHM) range from 0.60 arcsec at 1-mu-m to 0.92 arcsec in the U band. All images show 'pointed' isophotes within the central 5 arcsec, the deviations from ellipticity being small (maximum congruent-to 0.01) but significant, suggesting that a nuclear disk is present within the central 15 pc. We find no color gradient in either U - B nor B - R at sub-arcsecond resolution (a small gradient is however suggested at longer wavelengths). An empirical model fitting the observations after convolution by the appropriate Point-Spread-Function yields an intrinsic half width at half maximum ('core' radius) of 0.32 arcsec, a central surface brightness B = 12.65, and constant central colors (U - B = 0.56, B - R = 1.52), axis ratio (c/a = 0.71) and position angle throughout the central region (r < 10 arcsec). The implications of these results on the formation of M32 by dissipational collapse are briefly discussed.