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Polarization of far-infrared radiation from molecular cloudsThe paper reports measurements of the polarization of far-infrared emission from dust in nine molecular clouds. Detections were obtained in Mon R2, in the Kleinmann-Low (KL) nebula in Orion, and in Sgr A. Upper limits were set for six other clouds. A comparison of the 100 micron polarization of KL with that previously measured at 270 microns provides new evidence that the polarization is due to emission from magnetically aligned dust grains. Comparing the results for Orion with measurements at optical wavelengths, it is inferred that the magnetic field direction in the outer parts of the Orion cloud is the same as that in the dense core. This direction is nearly perpendicular to the ridge of molecular emission and is parallel to both the molecular outflow in KL and the axis of rotation of the cloud core. In Mon R2, the field direction which the measurements imply does not agree withthat derived from 0.9-2.2 micron polarimetry. The discrepancy is attributed to scattering in the near-infrared. In Orion and Sgr A, where comparisons are possible, the measurements are in good agreement with 10 micron polarization measurements.
Document ID
19900025088
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Novak, G.
(Chicago Univ. Chicago, IL, United States)
Gonatas, D. P.
(Chicago Univ. Chicago, IL, United States)
Hildebrand, R. H.
(Chicago Univ. Chicago, IL, United States)
Platt, S. R.
(Chicago, University IL, United States)
Dragovan, M.
(AT&T Bell Laboratories Murray Hill, NJ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
October 15, 1989
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Volume: 345
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
90A12143
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGT-50073
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-2057
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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