The far-infrared polarization of the Orion nebula

Journal Article · Sun Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1990 · Astrophysical Journal; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/168898· OSTI ID:6593972

Gonatas, D P; Engargiola, G A; Hildebrand, R H; Platt, S R; Wu, X D; Davidson, J A ^[1]

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1. Chicago Univ., IL (USA) NASA, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA (USA)

Polarization of the 100 micron thermal emission from 10 points in the Orion nebula has been measured. At one of the positions the degree, 5.7 percent, is the largest far-infrared polarization yet discovered. Except at a position in the barlike structure to the south, the position angles of the polarization vectors are well-ordered, suggesting that a uniform magnetic field threads the cloud. The magnetic field strength is estimated to be between 0.7 and 4 mG. The relationship of the degrees of polarization to the physical conditions in the cloud is discussed. 34 refs.

• OSTI ID: 6593972
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal; (USA) Vol. 357; ISSN ASJOA; ISSN 0004-637X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
COSMIC DUST
COSMIC GASES
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
DUSTS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELEMENTS
FAR INFRARED RADIATION
FLUIDS
GASES
H2 REGIONS
HYDROGEN
INFRARED RADIATION
INTERSTELLAR MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
NEBULAE
NONMETALS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POLARIMETERS
POLARIZATION
RADIATIONS