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.
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