2002A&A...384.1050B

We present new interstellar polarization measurements for 116 stars at high galactic latitudes. Our data show that Markkanen's cloud - the main polarization structure seen in the North Galactic Pole area (b>75°) extends further towards lower latitudes. Especially, we have found a new dust formation in the area 35°<l<45°, 57°<b<63°. Interstellar polarization in this part of the sky peaks at 0.7%, which gives a lower limit to the extinction A_V>0.23mag. Polarization vectors in this cloud are very well aligned along the direction of l=50°. On the IRAS 100 micron map this dust structure shows up as a bright emission area. We discuss the new polarization map extending from circumpolar to lower latitudes and point out features which suggest that Markkanen's cloud may be a part of the dust lane in the inner edge of the local spiral or spur.