Wavelength dependence of polarization. XXXIII. The alpha Persei star cluster.
Abstract
This paper presents multicolor polarization observations of a large number of stars that are highly probable members of the Alpha Persei star cluster and of certain surrounding stars in order to determine the wavelength dependence of polarization due to dust grains in and surrounding the cluster. It is concluded that the grains in the cluster are no different from those in the general interstellar medium. The data are combined with previously published work in order to determine polarization-to-absorption ratios and to make better estimates of the distance, size, and mass of the cluster and its associated gas and dust cloud. From these parameters it is concluded that a magnetic field of about 100 microgauss is necessary to produce the observed polarization. The role of the magnetic field in the cluster's evolution is discussed.
- Publication:
-
The Astronomical Journal
- Pub Date:
- March 1979
- DOI:
- 10.1086/112431
- Bibcode:
- 1979AJ.....84..356C
- Keywords:
-
- Cosmic Dust;
- Interstellar Matter;
- Polarization Characteristics;
- Star Clusters;
- Wavelengths;
- Astronomical Catalogs;
- Stellar Evolution;
- Stellar Magnetic Fields;
- Astrophysics;
- Polarization:Star Clusters