Polarization: A Method to Reveal the True Nature of the Dusty S-Cluster Object (DSO/G2)

Abstract

There have been different scenarios describing the nature of a dusty source, noted as Dusty S-cluster Object (DSO) or G2, orbiting around the Galactic centre super-massive black hole. Observing the polarized continuum emission of this source provides information on its nature and geometry. We show that this source is intrinsically polarized with polarization degree of 30%, implying that it has a non-spherical geometry, and a varying polarization angle in the ambient medium of the black hole. Its main observable properties can be well described and modeled with a pre-main-sequence star forming a bow shock as it approaches the Sgr A* position.

Keywords

• Galaxy: centre
• polarization
• stars: pre-main-sequence
• radiative transfer