P48	March 2000

¹ Institut d'Astrophysique et de Géophysique - Université de Liège, Avenue de Cointe 5, 4000 Liège, Belgium
² European Southern Observatory, Casilla 19001, Santiago, CHile

^* Chercheur Qualifié FNRS, Belgium

⁺ Based on observations collected at the European Southern Observatory (ESO, La Silla)

Abstract

     We present optical (ultraviolet rest-frame) spectropolarimetric observations of the rare iron low ionization broad absorption line (BAL) QSO Q0059-2735. The continuum polarization increases to the blue with a regular rotation of the polarization position angle, suggesting that at least two mechanisms are at the origin of the polarization. There is also some evidence for dilution by a FeIIII blends in absorption are not more polarized than the continuum, while they are clearly visible in the polarized flux. These different polarization properties of FeII absorption lines suggest a different origin and/or geometry. The observed properties of Q0059-2735 are consistent with a hybrid QSO / starburst model.