A NEAR-INFRARED REFLECTION NEBULA ASSOCIATED WITH NGC-2024 FIR-4

H, K, and 3.6 mu m imaging observations at the location of the protost ellar candidate NGC 2024 FIR 4 confirm the presence of a highly redden ed near-infrared source with estimated luminosity similar to 25 L. at the position of the submillimeter continuum core. Polarimetry at H and K shows that this source is accompanied by a compact cometary reflect ion nebula of the type associated with collimated molecular outflows f rom young stellar objects. These results enable the classification of NGC 2024 FIR 4 as a low-mass, self-luminous, young stellar object prod ucing an energetic outflow which is beginning to clear the ambient den se gas. The details of the observed polarization vector pattern at H a nd K suggest the superposition of an extended polarization field which distorts the scattering pattern in the reflection nebula from centros ymmetry. It is likely that this additional field is produced by dichro ic absorption through a foreground screen of dust grains aligned by an ordered magnetic field with projected orientation close to P.A. = 0 d egrees.