A polarimetric view of the open cluster Lyngå6 and the Cepheid TW Normæ

Abstract

We present UBVRI polarimetric observations of stars belonging to the small open cluster Lynga6 and of TW Nor, a Cepheid which can be seen near the center of the grouping. The wavelength of maximum polarization is computed and then analyzed in the context of its relation to the optical properties and characteristic particle size distribution of the grains responsible for the polarization. The amount and direction of linear polarization is also computed. Results indicate a mean polarization efficiency close to the value found for the interstellar medium. Two out of seven members of Lynga6 present indications of intrinsic polarization in their measures. We conclude that part of the polarization detected in the light from members of the cluster comes from a dust cloud located in the Local arm, at a distance of about 1 kpc. In general, polarization measurements do not support the membership of TW Nor to Lynga6.