arXiv subjects

Sang-Sung Lee

Publications and source records attributed to Sang-Sung Lee.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2023

The JCMT BISTRO Survey: Studying the Complex Magnetic Field of L43

We present observations of polarized dust emission at 850 $μ$m from the L43 molecular cloud which sits in the Ophiuchus cloud complex. The data were taken using SCUBA-2/POL-2 on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope as a part of the BISTRO large program. L43 is a dense ($N_{\rm H_2}\sim 10^{22}$-10$^{23}$ cm$^{-2}$) complex molecular cloud with a submillimetre-bright starless core and two protostellar sources. There appears to be an evolutionary gradient along the isolated filament that L43 is embedded within, with the most evolved source closest to the Sco OB2 association. One of the protostars drives a CO outflow that has created a cavity to the southeast. We see a magnetic field that appears to be aligned with the cavity walls of the outflow, suggesting interaction with the outflow. We also find a magnetic field strength of up to $\sim$160$\pm$30 $μ$G in the main starless core and up to $\sim$90$\pm$40 $μ$G in the more diffuse, extended region. These field strengths give magnetically super- and sub-critical values respectively and both are found to be roughly trans-Alfvénic. We also present a new method of data reduction for these denser but fainter objects like starless cores.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2023

RadioAstron Space VLBI Imaging of the jet in M87: I. Detection of high brightness temperature at 22 GHz

We present results from the first 22 GHz space very-long-baseline interferometric (VLBI) imaging observations of M87 by RadioAstron. As a part of the Nearby AGN Key Science Program, the source was observed in Feb 2014 at 22 GHz with 21 ground stations, reaching projected $(u,v)$-spacings up to $\sim11\,$G$λ$. The imaging experiment was complemented by snapshot RadioAstron data of M87 obtained during 2013--2016 from the AGN Survey Key Science Program. Their longest baselines extend up to $\sim25\,$G$λ$. For all these measurements, fringes are detected only up to $\sim$2.8 Earth Diameter or $\sim$3 G$λ$ baseline lengths, resulting in a new image with angular resolution of $\sim150\,μ$as or $\sim20$ Schwarzschild radii spatial resolution. The new image not only shows edge-brightened jet and counterjet structures down to submilliarcsecond scales but also clearly resolves the VLBI core region. While the overall size of the core is comparable to those reported in the literature, the ground-space fringe detection and slightly super-resolved RadioAstron image suggest the presence of substructures in the nucleus, whose minimum brightness temperature exceeds $T_{\rm B, min}\sim10^{12}\,$K. It is challenging to explain the origin of this record-high $T_{\rm B, min}$ value for M87 by pure Doppler boosting effect with a simple conical jet geometry and known jet speed. Therefore, this can be evidence for more extreme Doppler boosting due to a blazar-like small jet viewing angle or highly efficient particle acceleration processes occurring already at the base of the outflow.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2023

Monitoring the Size and Flux Density of Sgr A* during the Active State in 2019 with East Asian VLBI Network

In this work, we studied the Galactic Center supermassive black hole (SMBH), Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*), with the KVN and VERA Array (KaVA)/East Asian VLBI Network (EAVN) monitoring observations. Especially on 13 May 2019, Sgr A* experienced an unprecedented bright near infra-red (NIR) flare; so, we find a possible counterpart at 43 GHz (7 mm). As a result, a large temporal variation of the flux density at the level 15.4%, with the highest flux density of 2.04 Jy, is found on 11 May 2019. Interestingly, the intrinsic sizes are also variable, and the area and major-axis size show a marginal correlation with flux density with >2σ. Thus, we interpret that the emission region at 43 GHz follows the larger-when-brighter relation in 2019. The possible origins are discussed with an emergence of a weak jet/outflow component and the position angle change of the rotation axis of the accretion disk in time.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

Spectral analysis of a parsec-scale jet in M87: Observational constraint on the magnetic field strengths in the jet

Because of its proximity and the large size of its black hole, M87 is one of the best targets for studying the launching mechanism of active galactic nucleus jets. Currently, magnetic fields are considered to be an essential factor in the launching and accelerating of the jet. However, current observational estimates of the magnetic field strength of the M87 jet are limited to the innermost part of the jet or to HST-1. No attempt has yet been made to measure the magnetic field strength in between. We aim to infer the magnetic field strength of the M87 jet out to a distance of several thousand $r_s$ by tracking the distance-dependent changes in the synchrotron spectrum of the jet from high-resolution very long baseline interferometry observations. In order to obtain high-quality spectral index maps, quasi-simultaneous observations at 22 and 43 GHz were conducted using the KVN and VERA Array (KaVA) and the VLBA. We compared the spectral index distributions obtained from the observations with a model and placed limits on the magnetic field strengths as a function of distance. The overall spectral morphology is broadly consistent over the course of these observations. The observed synchrotron spectrum rapidly steepens from $α_{22-43 GHz}$ ~ -0.7 at ~ 2 mas to $α_{22-43 GHz}$ ~ -2.5 at ~ 6 mas. A spectral index model in which nonthermal electron injections inside the jet decrease with distance can adequately reproduce the observed trend. This suggests the magnetic field strength of the jet at a distance of 2 - 10 mas (~ 900 $r_s$ - ~ 4500 $r_s$ in the deprojected distance) has a range of $B=(0.3 - 1.0 G)(z/2 mas)^{-0.73}$. Extrapolating to the EHT scale yields consistent results, suggesting that the majority of the magnetic flux of the jet near the black hole is preserved out to ~ 4500 $r_s$ without significant dissipation.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

First BISTRO observations of the dark cloud Taurus L1495A-B10: the role of the magnetic field in the earliest stages of low-mass star formation

We present BISTRO Survey 850 μm dust emission polarisation observations of the L1495A-B10 region of the Taurus molecular cloud, taken at the JCMT. We observe a roughly triangular network of dense filaments. We detect 9 of the dense starless cores embedded within these filaments in polarisation, finding that the plane-of-sky orientation of the core-scale magnetic field lies roughly perpendicular to the filaments in almost all cases. We also find that the large-scale magnetic field orientation measured by Planck is not correlated with any of the core or filament structures, except in the case of the lowest-density core. We propose a scenario for early prestellar evolution that is both an extension to, and consistent with, previous models, introducing an additional evolutionary transitional stage between field-dominated and matter-dominated evolution, observed here for the first time. In this scenario, the cloud collapses first to a sheet-like structure. Uniquely, we appear to be seeing this sheet almost face-on. The sheet fragments into filaments, which in turn form cores. However, the material must reach a certain critical density before the evolution changes from being field-dominated to being matter-dominated. We measure the sheet surface density and the magnetic field strength at that transition for the first time and show consistency with an analytical prediction that had previously gone untested for over 50 years (Mestel 1965).

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2023

Estimating the feasibility of `standard speed-gun' distances

In a previous paper, we demonstrated a single-rung method for measuring cosmological distances in active galactic nuclei (AGN) that can be used from low redshift (z < 0.1) to high redshift (z > 3). This method relies on the assumption that the variability seen in AGN is constrained by the speed of light during a flare event and can therefore be used to estimate the size of an emitting region. A limitation of this method is that previously, the Doppler factor was required to be known. In this paper, we derive an extension of the `standard speed-gun' method for measuring cosmological distances that depends on the maximum intrinsic brightness temperature that a source can reach, rather than the Doppler factor. If the precise value of the intrinsic brightness temperature does not evolve with redshift and flares are statistically independent, we can in principle improve the errors in measurements of the matter content of the universe (in a flat LambdaCDM model) statistically. We then explored how well a future observing program would constrain cosmological parameters. We found that recovering the input cosmology depends critically on the uncertainty of the intrinsic brightness temperature and the number of flares observed.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2022

JCMT BISTRO Observations: Magnetic Field Morphology of Bubbles Associated with NGC 6334

We study the HII regions associated with the NGC 6334 molecular cloud observed in the sub-millimeter and taken as part of the B-fields In STar-forming Region Observations (BISTRO) Survey. In particular, we investigate the polarization patterns and magnetic field morphologies associated with these HII regions. Through polarization pattern and pressure calculation analyses, several of these bubbles indicate that the gas and magnetic field lines have been pushed away from the bubble, toward an almost tangential (to the bubble) magnetic field morphology. In the densest part of NGC 6334, where the magnetic field morphology is similar to an hourglass, the polarization observations do not exhibit observable impact from HII regions. We detect two nested radial polarization patterns in a bubble to the south of NGC 6334 that correspond to the previously observed bipolar structure in this bubble. Finally, using the results of this study, we present steps (incorporating computer vision; circular Hough Transform) that can be used in future studies to identify bubbles that have physically impacted magnetic field lines.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2022

Using the Crab Nebula as Polarization Angle Calibrator for the Korean VLBI Network

The Crab nebula is widely used as a polarization angle calibrator for single-dish radio observations because of its brightness, high degree of linear polarization, and well-known polarization angle over a wide frequency range. However, the Crab nebula cannot be directly used as a polarization angle calibrator for single-dish observations with the Korean VLBI Network (KVN), because the beam size of the telescopes is smaller than the size of the nebula. To determine the polarization angle of the Crab nebula as seen by KVN, we use 3C 286, a compact polarized extragalactic radio source whose polarization angle is well-known, as a reference target. We observed both the Crab nebula and 3C 286 with the KVN from 2017 to 2021 and find that the polarization angles at the total intensity peak of the Crab nebula (equatorial coordinates (J2000) R.A. $=$ 05$^{\rm h}$34$^{\rm m}$32.3804$^{\rm s}$ and Dec $=$ 22$^\circ$00'44.0982") are $154.2^\circ \pm 0.3^\circ$, $151.0^\circ \pm 0.2^\circ$, $150.0^\circ \pm 1.0^\circ$, and $151.3^\circ \pm 1.1^\circ$ at 22, 43, 86, and 94 GHz, respectively. We also find that the polarization angles at the pulsar position (RA $=$ 05$^{\rm h}$34$^{\rm m}$31.971$^{\rm s}$ and Dec $=$ 22$^\circ$00'52.06") are $154.4^\circ\pm 0.4^\circ$, $150.7^\circ\pm 0.4^\circ$, and $149.0^\circ\pm 1.0^\circ$ for the KVN at 22, 43, and 86 GHz. At 129 GHz, we suggest to use the values $149.0^\circ \pm 1.6^\circ$ at the total intensity peak and $150.2^\circ \pm 2.0^\circ$ at the pulsar position obtained with the Institute for Radio Astronomy in the Millimeter Range (IRAM) 30-meter Telescope. Based on our study, both positions within the Crab nebula can be used as polarization angle calibrators for the KVN single-dish observations.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2022

Overview of the Observing System and Initial Scientific Accomplishments of the East Asian VLBI Network (EAVN)

The East Asian VLBI Network (EAVN) is an international VLBI facility in East Asia and is operated under mutual collaboration between East Asian countries, as well as part of Southeast Asian and European countries. EAVN currently consists of 16 radio telescopes and three correlators located in China, Japan, and Korea, and is operated mainly at three frequency bands, 6.7, 22, and 43 GHz with the longest baseline length of 5078 km, resulting in the highest angular resolution of 0.28 milliarcseconds at 43 GHz. One of distinct capabilities of EAVN is multi-frequency simultaneous data reception at nine telescopes, which enable us to employ the frequency phase transfer technique to obtain better sensitivity at higher observing frequencies. EAVN started its open-use program in the second half of 2018, providing a total observing time of more than 1100 hours in a year. EAVN fills geographical gap in global VLBI array, resulting in enabling us to conduct contiguous high-resolution VLBI observations. EAVN has produced various scientific accomplishments especially in observations toward active galactic nuclei, evolved stars, and star-forming regions. These activities motivate us to initiate launch of the 'Global VLBI Alliance' to provide an opportunity of VLBI observation with the longest baselines on the earth.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2022

The JCMT BISTRO-2 Survey: Magnetic Fields of the Massive DR21 Filament

We present 850 $μ$m dust polarization observations of the massive DR21 filament from the B-fields In STar-forming Region Observations (BISTRO) survey, using the POL-2 polarimeter and the SCUBA-2 camera on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope. We detect ordered magnetic fields perpendicular to the parsec-scale ridge of the DR21 main filament. In the sub-filaments, the magnetic fields are mainly parallel to the filamentary structures and smoothly connect to the magnetic fields of the main filament. We compare the POL-2 and Planck dust polarization observations to study the magnetic field structures of the DR21 filament on 0.1--10 pc scales. The magnetic fields revealed in the Planck data are well aligned with those of the POL-2 data, indicating a smooth variation of magnetic fields from large to small scales. The plane-of-sky magnetic field strengths derived from angular dispersion functions of dust polarization are 0.6--1.0 mG in the DR21 filament and $\sim$ 0.1 mG in the surrounding ambient gas. The mass-to-flux ratios are found to be magnetically supercritical in the filament and slightly subcritical to nearly critical in the ambient gas. The alignment between column density structures and magnetic fields changes from random alignment in the low-density ambient gas probed by Planck to mostly perpendicular in the high-density main filament probed by JCMT. The magnetic field structures of the DR21 filament are in agreement with MHD simulations of a strongly magnetized medium, suggesting that magnetic fields play an important role in shaping the DR21 main filament and sub-filaments.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2022

The Photon Ring in M87*

We report measurements of the gravitationally lensed secondary image -- the first in an infinite series of so-called "photon rings" -- around the supermassive black hole M87* via simultaneous modeling and imaging of the 2017 Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) observations. The inferred ring size remains constant across the seven days of the 2017 EHT observing campaign and is consistent with theoretical expectations, providing clear evidence that such measurements probe spacetime and a striking confirmation of the models underlying the first set of EHT results. The residual diffuse emission evolves on timescales comparable to one week. We are able to detect with high significance a southwestern extension consistent with that expected from the base of a jet that is rapidly rotating in the clockwise direction. This result adds further support to the identification of the jet in M87* with a black hole spin-driven outflow, launched via the Blandford-Znajek process. We present three revised estimates for the mass of M87* based on identifying the modeled thin ring component with the bright ringlike features seen in simulated images, one of which is only weakly sensitive to the astrophysics of the emission region. All three estimates agree with each other and previously reported values. Our strongest mass constraint combines information from both the ring and the diffuse emission region, which together imply a mass-to-distance ratio of $4.20^{+0.12}_{-0.06}~μ{\rm as}$ and a corresponding black hole mass of $(7.13\pm0.39)\times10^9M_\odot$, where the error on the latter is now dominated by the systematic uncertainty arising from the uncertain distance to M87*.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2022

B-fields in Star-Forming Region Observations (BISTRO): Magnetic Fields in the Filamentary Structures of Serpens Main

We present 850 $μ$m polarimetric observations toward the Serpens Main molecular cloud obtained using the POL-2 polarimeter on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) as part of the B-fields In STar-forming Region Observations (BISTRO) survey. These observations probe the magnetic field morphology of the Serpens Main molecular cloud on about 6000 au scales, which consists of cores and six filaments with different physical properties such as density and star formation activity. Using the histogram of relative orientation (HRO) technique, we find that magnetic fields are parallel to filaments in less dense filamentary structures where $N_{H_2} < 0.93\times 10^{22}$ cm$^{-2}$ (magnetic fields perpendicular to density gradients), while being perpendicular to filaments (magnetic fields parallel to density gradients) in dense filamentary structures with star formation activity. Moreover, applying the HRO technique to denser core regions, we find that magnetic field orientations change to become perpendicular to density gradients again at $N_{H_2} \approx 4.6 \times 10^{22}$ cm$^{-2}$. This can be interpreted as a signature of core formation. At $N_{H_2} \approx 16 \times 10^{22}$ cm$^{-2}$ magnetic fields change back to being parallel to density gradients once again, which can be understood to be due to magnetic fields being dragged in by infalling material. In addition, we estimate the magnetic field strengths of the filaments ($B_{POS} = 60-300~μ$G)) using the Davis-Chandrasekhar-Fermi method and discuss whether the filaments are gravitationally unstable based on magnetic field and turbulence energy densities.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2021

The intrinsic structure of Sagittarius A* at 1.3 cm and 7 mm

Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*), the Galactic Center supermassive black hole (SMBH), is one of the best targets to resolve the innermost region of SMBH with very long baseline interferometry (VLBI). In this study, we have carried out observations toward Sgr A* at 1.349 cm (22.223 GHz) and 6.950 mm (43.135 GHz) with the East Asian VLBI Network, as a part of the multi-wavelength campaign of the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) in 2017 April. To mitigate scattering effects, the physically motivated scattering kernel model from Psaltis et al. (2018) and the scattering parameters from Johnson et al. (2018) have been applied. As a result, a single, symmetric Gaussian model well describes the intrinsic structure of Sgr A* at both wavelengths. From closure amplitudes, the major-axis sizes are ~704$\pm$102 $μ$as (axial ratio $\sim$1.19$^{+0.24}_{-0.19}$) and $\sim$300$\pm$25 $μ$as (axial ratio $\sim$1.28$\pm$0.2) at 1.349 cm and 6.95 mm respectively. Together with a quasi-simultaneous observation at 3.5 mm (86 GHz) by Issaoun et al. (2019), we show that the intrinsic size scales with observing wavelength as a power-law, with an index $\sim$1.2$\pm$0.2. Our results also provide estimates of the size and compact flux density at 1.3 mm, which can be incorporated into the analysis of the EHT observations. In terms of the origin of radio emission, we have compared the intrinsic structures with the accretion flow scenario, especially the radiatively inefficient accretion flow based on the Keplerian shell model. With this, we show that a nonthermal electron population is necessary to reproduce the source sizes.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2021

Magnetic Field Strengths of the Synchrotron Self-Absorption Region in the Jet of CTA 102 During Radio Flares

CTA 102 is a blazar implying that its relativistic jet points towards Earth and emits synchrotron radiation produced by energetic particles gyrating in the magnetic field. This study aims to figure out the physical origins of radio flares in the jet, including the connection between the magnetic field and the radio flares. The dataset in the range 2.6-343.5 GHz was collected over a period of 5.5 years (2012 November 20-2018 September 23). During the data collection period, seven flares at 15 GHz with a range of the variability time-scale of roughly 26-171 days were detected. The quasi-simultaneous radio data were used to investigate the synchrotron spectrum of the source. We found that the synchrotron radiation is self-absorbed. The turnover frequency and the peak flux density of the synchrotron self-absorption (SSA) spectra are in the ranges of 42-167 GHz and 0.9-10.2 Jy, respectively. From the SSA spectra, we derived the SSA magnetic field strengths to be 9.20 mG, 12.28 mG, and 50.97 mG on 2013 December 24, 2014 February 28, and 2018 January 13, respectively. We also derived the equipartition magnetic field strengths to be in the range 24-109 mG. The equipartition magnetic field strengths are larger than the SSA magnetic field strengths in most cases, which indicates that particle energy mainly dominates in the jet. Our results suggest that the flares in the jet of CTA 102 originated due to particle acceleration. We propose the possible mechanisms of particle acceleration.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2021

A persistent double nuclear structure in 3C 84

3C 84 (NGC 1275) is the radio source at the center of the Perseus Cluster and exhibits a bright radio jet. We observed the source with the Global Millimeter VLBI Array (GMVA) between 2008 and 2015, with a typical angular resolution of $\sim$50 $μ$as. The observations revealed a consistent double nuclear structure separated by $\sim$770 gravitational radii assuming a Black Hole mass of 3.2 $\times 10^{8}$ $M_{\odot}$. The region is likely too broad and bright to be the true jet base anchored in the accretion disk or Black Hole ergosphere. A cone and parabola were fit to the stacked (time averaged) image of the nuclear region. The data did not strongly prefer either fit, but combined with a jet/counter-jet ratio analysis, an upper limit on the viewing angle to the inner jet region of $\leq$35$^{\circ}$ was found. This provides evidence for a variation of the viewing angle along the jet (and therefore a bent jet) within $\sim$0.5 parsec of the jet launching region. In the case of a conical jet, the apex is located $\sim$2400 gravitational radii upstream of the bright nuclear region and up to $\sim$600 gravitational radii upstream in the parabolic case. We found a possible correlation between the brightness temperature and relative position angle of the double nuclear components, which may indicate rotation within the jet.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2021

The JCMT BISTRO Survey: An 850/450$μ$m Polarization Study of NGC 2071IR in OrionB

We present the results of simultaneous 450 $μ$m and 850 $μ$m polarization observations toward the massive star forming region NGC 2071IR, a target of the BISTRO (B-fields in Star-Forming Region Observations) Survey, using the POL-2 polarimeter and SCUBA-2 camera mounted on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope. We find a pinched magnetic field morphology in the central dense core region, which could be due to a rotating toroidal disk-like structure and a bipolar outflow originating from the central young stellar object, IRS 3. Using the modified Davis-Chandrasekhar-Fermi method, we obtain a plane-of-sky magnetic field strength of 563$\pm$421 $μ$G in the central $\sim$0.12 pc region from 850 $μ$m polarization data. The corresponding magnetic energy density of 2.04$\times$10$^{-8}$ erg cm$^{-3}$ is comparable to the turbulent and gravitational energy densities in the region. We find that the magnetic field direction is very well aligned with the whole of the IRS 3 bipolar outflow structure. We find that the median value of polarization fractions, 3.0 \%, at 450 $μ$m in the central 3 arcminute region, which is larger than the median value of 1.2 \% at 850 $μ$m. The trend could be due to the better alignment of warmer dust in the strong radiation environment. We also find that polarization fractions decrease with intensity at both wavelengths, with slopes, determined by fitting a Rician noise model, of $0.59 \pm 0.03$ at 450 $μ$m and $0.36 \pm 0.04$ at 850 $μ$m, respectively. We think that the shallow slope at 850 $μ$m is due to grain alignment at the center being assisted by strong radiation from the central young stellar objects.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2021

A detailed kinematic study of 3C 84 and its connection to Gamma-rays

3C 84 (NGC 1275) is the bright radio core of the Perseus Cluster. Even in the absence of strong relativistic effects, the source has been detected at Gamma-rays up to TeV energies. Despite its intensive study, the physical processes responsible for the high-energy emission in the source remain unanswered. We present a detailed kinematics study of the source and its connection to Gamma-ray emission. The sub-parsec scale radio structure is dominated by slow-moving features in both the eastern and western lanes of the jet. The jet appears to have accelerated to its maximum speed within less than 125 000 gravitational radii. The fastest reliably detected speed in the jet was ~0.9 c. This leads to a minimum Lorentz factor of ~1.35. Our analysis suggests the presence of multiple high-energy sites in the source. If Gamma-rays are associated with kinematic changes in the jet, they are being produced in both eastern and western lanes in the jet. Three Gamma-ray flares are contemporaneous with epochs where the slowly moving emission region splits into two sub-regions. We estimate the significance of these events being associated as ~2-3 sigma. We tested our results against theoretical predictions for magnetic reconnection-induced mini-jets and turbulence and find them compatible.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2020

Observations of magnetic fields surrounding LkH$α$ 101 taken by the BISTRO survey with JCMT-POL-2

We report the first high spatial resolution measurement of magnetic fields surrounding LkH$α$ 101, a part of the Auriga-California molecular cloud. The observations were taken with the POL-2 polarimeter on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope within the framework of the B-fields In Star-forming Region Observations (BISTRO) survey. Observed polarization of thermal dust emission at 850 $μ$m is found to be mostly associated with the red-shifted gas component of the cloud. The magnetic field displays a relatively complex morphology. Two variants of the Davis-Chandrasekhar-Fermi method, unsharp masking and structure function, are used to calculate the strength of magnetic fields in the plane of the sky, yielding a similar result of $B_{\rm POS}\sim 115$ $\mathrmμ$G. The mass-to-magnetic-flux ratio in critical value units, $λ\sim0.3$, is the smallest among the values obtained for other regions surveyed by POL-2. This implies that the LkH$α$ 101 region is sub-critical and the magnetic field is strong enough to prevent gravitational collapse. The inferred $δB/B_0\sim 0.3$ implies that the large scale component of the magnetic field dominates the turbulent one. The variation of the polarization fraction with total emission intensity can be fitted by a power-law with an index of $α=0.82\pm0.03$, which lies in the range previously reported for molecular clouds. We find that the polarization fraction decreases rapidly with proximity to the only early B star (LkH$α$ 101) in the region. The magnetic field tangling and the joint effect of grain alignment and rotational disruption by radiative torques are potential of explaining such a decreasing trend.

astro-ph.GA↗