3C 258; z=0.165

This galaxy is a well-known compact steep spectrum (CSS) radio source, with a compact, double radio structure seen on scales of a few tenths of an arcsecond along PA  [Spencer et al.1989,Akujor et al.1991,Ludke et al.1998], although its arcminute scale structure is aligned along a nearly north-south direction [Strom et al.1990]. Its redshift has been quoted as z=0.165 [Smith et al.1976], but this value is in dispute as [Dey1994] note that spectra taken at Lick show a likely background quasar, based on the observation of a single emission line at 7111Åwhich would give z=1.54 if due to Mg II 2798Å. However, due to poor seeing at the time the spectra were taken, no firm claims can be made as to the origin of this line. Our NICMOS data are consistent with a sigificantly higher redshift, as they show a very compact host galaxy that is much fainter than one would expect for an object at z=0.165. The nuclear point source in our image is also quite bright, with an arc-like object 3" ESE of the AGN which may be an irregular foreground (z=0.165) galaxy causing the confusion.