THE INCLINATION OF NETWORK MAGNETIC-FIELDS

We have observed the linear polarization of 21 bright grains of the ph otospheric network close to the disk center. The linear polarization o f Fe I 6302.5 angstrom was always lower than 1.9 x 10(-3) (referred to continuum intensity). This level of linear polarization implies a ver y small magnetic field inclination with respect to the vertical, which we estimate below 10-degrees. Our finding is in apparent disagreement with previous studies which claim large inclinations; however, it ful fills theoretical expectations. Plage regions close to sunspots might show inclination, but isolated network elements do not.