Polarized CCD imaging of the Horsehead Nebula (B33) and Monoceros R2

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (14) References (28) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Polarized CCD Imaging of the Horsehead Nebula (B33) and Monoceros R2 Zaritsky, D. ; Shaya, E. J. ; Scoville, N. Z. ; Sargent, A. I. ; Tytler, D. Abstract A technique for large-scale mapping of the magnetic fields in molecular clouds using high-sensitivity CCD images of the light from background stars has been developed. Fractional polarization and its orientation have been mapped in the Horsehead Nebula and Monoceros R2. In each cloud, the magnetic field is aligned with the general magnetic field of the surrounding region, and the percentage polarization does not increase systematically with extinction at visual wavelengths. These results suggest that the dust grains may not be aligned with the magnetic fields in high-density regions. The results also disagree with a previous model for ablation off the surface of the Horsehead Nebula. Publication: The Astronomical Journal Pub Date: June 1987 DOI: 10.1086/114432 Bibcode: 1987AJ.....93.1514Z Keywords: Astronomical Maps; Magnetic Field Configurations; Molecular Clouds; Nebulae; Polarized Electromagnetic Radiation; Charge Coupled Devices; Image Processing; Interstellar Extinction; Reflection Nebulae; Star Formation; Astrophysics; INTERSTELLAR: MATTER full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (3)