Intrinsically polarized stars and implication for star formation in the central parsec of our galaxy
- Department of Astronomy, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502 (Japan)
- National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8588 (Japan)
- Subaru Telescope, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, 650 North A'ohoku Place, Hilo, HI 96720 (United States)
We have carried out adaptive-optics assisted observations at the Subaru Telescope and have found 11 intrinsically polarized sources in the central parsec of our Galaxy. They are selected from 318 point sources with K{sub S} < 15.5, and their interstellar polarizations are corrected using a Stokes Q/I-U/I diagram. Considering brightness, near-infrared color excess, and the amount of intrinsic polarization, two of them are good young stellar object (YSO) candidates with an age of ∼10{sup 5} yr. If they are genuine YSOs, their existence provides strong constraints on star formation mechanisms in this region. In the remaining sources, two are known as bow-shock sources in the Northern Arm. One other is also located in the Northern Arm and shows very similar properties, and thus it is likely to be a so far unknown bow-shock source. The origin of the intrinsic polarization of the other sources is as yet uncertain.
- OSTI ID:
- 22341978
- Journal Information:
- Astrophysical Journal, Vol. 778, Issue 2; Other Information: Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0004-637X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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