Imaging polarimetry of the galaxy NGC 1068

Optical linear polarization maps of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 1068 are presented which show the following features: (i) On a large spatial scale the polarization pattern follows the arm and interarm structures of the galaxy which suggests that the magnetic field has a spiral configuration. (ii) There is a small area of enhanced levels of polarization some 4.5 arcsec north-east of the nucleus which is coincident with the highest-ionization extended region on the map by Pogge. (iii) There is a region of enhanced polarization coincident with the nucleus, and elongated at position angle 196o. The geometry and polarization of the nuclear and north-east polarization features suggest that we are observing light scattered out of the 'radiation cone' of the obscured Seyfert I nucleus, thus giving further support to the unified schemes for AGN, radio and high-Ζ galaxies. (author)