Infrared polarimetry of the southern massive star-forming region G333.6-0.2

T. Fujiyoshi, C.H. Smith, C.M. Wright, T.J.T. Moore, D. Aitken, P.F. Roche

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    Abstract

    We present 8-13μm spectropolarimetry, and 12- and 2-μm imaging polarimetry of the southern massive star-forming region G333.6−0.2. Spectro-polarimetry measurements show that the polarization observed towards the nebula contains a mixture of both absorptive and emissive polarizations. Model fitting to the spectra indicates that the temperature of the mid-infrared emitting dust grains is generally ∼200 K and the optical depth of the absorbing dust at 9.7 μm is ∼1.5. Fits are also made to the polarimetry spectra, which show a reasonably constant peak absorptive polarization (∼3.4 per cent at 43°) across the face of the H ii region. This absorptive polarization position angle is consistent with that found by the 2-μm imaging polarimetry (38+ or - 6) and is most likely due to the Galactic magnetic field local to G333.6−0.2. When the absorptive polarization is subtracted from the 12-μm polarization image, the emissive polarization pattern that is intrinsic to the star-forming region is revealed. A probable magnetic field configuration implied by the intrinsic polarization suggests star formation initially influenced by the Galactic magnetic field which is eventually perturbed by the star formation process.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)233-243
    JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
    Volume327
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2001

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