1996A&A...312..234Y

We present and discuss optical polarimetry and BVRIJHK photometry of a galactic B[e] star: MWC 349; much of the data were obtained quasi-simultaneously. Large time variability of the polarization degree ({DELTA} p≃8%) was detected. Comparison with earlier measurements of polarization and brightness has been made. Configuration and orientation of the circumstellar gas and dust environment and the processes responsible for the observed behavior of MWC 349 are discussed. We conclude that the polarimetric variability is caused by changes of physical conditions in high-density, ionized gas. Incidentally the non-variable component of the observed polarization is connected with the circumstellar dust disk.