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A.E. Broderick (CalTech), R.D. Blandford (KIPAC)
A number of observations have found anomalously high degrees of circular polarization in the Galactic center. Recently, significant infra-red variability has also been detected, suggesting that the region responsible for the circular polarization is located near the horizon of the central black hole. Therefore, novel mechanisms involving the presence of the black hole may play a role in the polarimetric properties of such environments. We discuss mechanisms by which large degrees of circular polarization can be produced near accreting black holes, and their implications, with a focus upon the Galactic center.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 35#5
© 2003. The American Astronomical Soceity.