The Magnetic Field Geometry in DR21

Abstract

We present broadband imaging polarimetry of DR21 at 2.2$μ$m. Background stars shining through the lobes of the bipolar outflow show polarization aligned with the long axis of the outflow, indicating a magnetic field geometry oriented along the flow axis. There is no indication of a spiral or turbulent magnetic field geometry in the lobes. The polarization of stars in the central cluster has a different position angle than the lobes and is in good agreement with millimeter polarimetry. The nebulosity in the Eastern lobe has moderate to high polarization consistent with scattering of continuum light from the central cluster. We were unable to detect polarization of the nebulosity in the Western lobe at the 4.2% (3sigma) level.