Optical and Near-Infrared Polarimetry of the Infrared Luminous Galaxy IRAS 23060+0505
Abstract
We report optical and near-infrared polarization and flux density measurements of the infrared luminous galaxy IRAS 23060 + 0505. The flux density in an 8" diameter aperture follows an approximate power law with a spectral index α (Fnu is proportional to ν^-α^) of 2.6 from 0.35 to 2.2 μm while the polarized flux density spectrum steepens from a spectral index of 2.48 in the near-infrared to 6.0 shortward of 0.8 μm. The wavelength dependence of degree of polarization is unusual, rising very steeply from 1% to 2% in the blue to a level of ~8% in the I band and then falling slowly through the near-infrared. A number of different models have been developed as an aid to interpreting the wavelength dependence of polarization and flux density observed for 23060 + 0505. Scattering of radiation from a continuum source largely obscured from direct sight is the most likely explanation for the observed polarization.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- May 1991
- DOI:
- 10.1086/169993
- Bibcode:
- 1991ApJ...372..478H
- Keywords:
-
- Infrared Sources (Astronomy);
- Near Infrared Radiation;
- Polarimetry;
- Seyfert Galaxies;
- Astronomical Models;
- Astronomical Photometry;
- Astronomical Spectroscopy;
- Astrophysics;
- GALAXIES: INDIVIDUAL ALPHANUMERIC: IRAS 23060;
- 0505;
- GALAXIES: PHOTOMETRY;
- INFRARED: SOURCES;
- POLARIZATION