Dissecting the bipolar nebula in NGC 6334 V

We present new high spatial resolution near-infrared (⁠|$H, K_{\rm n}$| and narrow-band L) imaging polarimetry of the interesting bipolar nebula NGC 6334 V. The pattern of polarization vectors demonstrates that the region is more complicated than previously believed. In the western lobe, the centro-symmetric pattern of polarization vectors is produced by reflection in an outflow, for which IRS V3 is the most likely source. The eastern lobe, however, does not appear to reflect this pattern. This could be due to the presence of a polarization disc around IRS V3 which disrupts the polarization pattern in the eastern lobe. In an alternative scenario, the sources IRS V1 and V2, whose emission dominates the eastern lobe, are located in the foreground of the bipolar nebula and contribute to the overall reflection nebulosity in this lobe. This latter structure is contrary to previous models in which both lobes were considered to be part of a single outflow.