Abstract
We have measured polarization of the 100 μm thermal emission from 10 points in the Orion nebula. At one of the positions the degree, 5.7%, is the largest far-infrared polarization yet discovered. Except at a position in the barlike structure to the south, the position angles of the polarization vectors are well-ordered, suggesting that a uniform magnetic field threads the cloud. We estimate the magnetic field strength to be between 0.7 and 4 mG. We discuss the relationship of the degrees of polarization to the physical conditions in the cloud.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 132-137 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 357 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 1 1990 |
Keywords
- Interstellar: magnetic fields
- Nebulae: Orion nebula
- Polarization
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science