Infrared reflection nebulae in S 106 and NGC 7538 E
Two micron linear polarimetry of the S 106 and NGC 7538 E regions reveal the presence of infrared reflection nebulae, which may confuse the count of luminosity sources in a region of star formation. S 106 and NGC 7538/IRS 9 are considered the only luminosity sources in their respective regions, and the polarization of S 106/Source 3 is probably due to absorption by aligned grains. Moreover, the reflection nebula model for NGC 7538 E is best supported if the polarization of NGC 7538/IRS 9 itself is due to the absorption by aligned grains.