On the infrared polarization of the Orion Nebula

Abstract

The implications of the 10 micron polarization of the Orion Nebula were re-examined. The polarization was produced by preferential extinction in one of the well studied regions of the Kleinman-Low Nebula and/or its surroundings. In particular, the need for abnormally low temperatures in the polarizing medium was obviated. The most likely candidate for the polarizing medium was the extended region surrounding the Kleinman-Low Nebula. The degree of polarization produced by emission in the far infrared was estimated to be as large as 8 percent, although other factors could reduce the observable value