[en] The orientation and alignment of Mg⁺(3p) states created in 1-60 keV Mg⁺(3s)-He,Ar collisions have been studied by the polarized photon-scattered particle coincidence technique at scattering angles corresponding to impact-parameter ranges of 0.5-1.0 a.u. (He) and 1.2-2.0 a.u. (Ar). Referring to the standard geometry, in the region of maximum excitation probability ( ∝ 35 keV), a strong propensity for population of the Mg⁺(3p_-1) state is observed. The propensity breaks down when going towards lower energies, and for collisions with He even a transient reversal of the angular momentum occurs. The alignment angle varies little in the entire range of impact parameters and energies investigated. These observations compare well with recent general predictions of Andersen and Nielsen. (orig.)