Polarization of interstellar radio-frequency lines and magnetic field direction

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (50) References (10) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Polarization of interstellar radio-frequency lines and magnetic field direction Kylafis, N. D. Abstract Analytic expressions are presented for the amount of polarization and the brightness temperature expected in radio and infrared lines from sources undergoing one-dimensional or two-dimensional axisymmetric collapse or expansion. The results are applied to: (1) a molecular cloud collapsing primarily along one direction, and (2) an expanding circumstellar envelope. It is found that the amount of polarization has a maximum of about 18% for a one-dimensional velocity field and about half of that for a two-dimensional field. Specific examples are given that pertain to CO. The various parameter regimes are explored and suggestions are made regarding the selection of molecules and sources to be observed. A relation is given between the polarization vector and the magnetic field direction. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: April 1983 DOI: 10.1086/160851 Bibcode: 1983ApJ...267..137K Keywords: Brightness Temperature; Interstellar Matter; Linear Polarization; Molecular Clouds; Radio Spectra; Interstellar Magnetic Fields; Magnetic Field Configurations; Radiative Transfer; Radio Emission; Stellar Envelopes; Astrophysics full text sources ADS |