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[15.12] Mid-IR Polarimetry of Axi-Symmetric Mass Loss in the Shaping of Planetary Nebula NGC 7027

C.A. Jurgenson, R.E. Stencel (University of Denver), T Ueta (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

We present the first ever mid-IR imaging polarimetry maps of the axi-symmetric planetary nebula NGC 7027. The observations were taken with the University of Denver’s TNTCAM II at the Wyoming Infrared Observatory’s 2.3-meter aperture telescope during June 2001. The polarimetry maps were produced in one micron wide band passes centered at 9.756, 10.598, 11.658 and 12.598 microns. An HST/WFPC2 image of NGC 7027 shows an ionized elliptical ring surrounded by an extended region of lower surface brightness whose radial profiles are suggestive of the presence of blow out regions. While HST/NICMOS images have suggested that emission from this region is not only in the form of scattered light, but possibly due to thermal dust emission (Latter et al. 2000). Polarization maps in the mid-IR present unique opportunities to reveal the properties and alignment of dust grains in the circumstellar environment. We compare our polariztion maps with those produced by theoretical models in which grain alignment occurs due to various magnetic field configurations. Our models are based on work done by Aitken et al. (2002). We acknowledge partial support from NSF grant AST-9724506 to build the mid-IR imaging polarimeter, and the estate of William Herschel Womble.

The author(s) of this abstract have provided an email address for comments about the abstract: cjurgens@du.edu

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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 34
© 2002. The American Astronomical Soceity.