Linear and circular imaging polarimetry of the Chamaeleon infrared nebula

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

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Polarization, Scattering, Stars: Formation, Dust, Extinction, Ism: Individual: Chamaeleon Infrared Nebula, Reflection Nebulae

Scientific paper

We present linear and circular imaging polarimetry observations of the Chamaeleon infrared nebula, a bipolar reflection nebula in the Chamaeleon I dark cloud, at near-infrared (JHK_n) wavelengths. These are amongst the first imaging circular polarimetry results for a star-forming region. The detection of both high degrees of linear polarization and a significant degree of circular polarization in the extended nebulosity allows us to comment on the scattering geometry and the range of particle sizes present. We develop a model incorporating a polarized source which can successfully account for the observed linear and circular polarimetry and for the asymmetries in nebular brightness (the `bright rim' structures) seen in this and other objects (e.g., NGC 2261/R Mon). In order to do so, the model requires a non-axisymmetric illumination of the nebula, and we discuss possible origins for this asymmetry, including disruption of a circumstellar disc by binary protostars.

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