Abstract

We present the results of new polarimetric observations of comet C/2001 Q4 (NEAT). Measurements of circular and linear polarization were made with the 2.6-m Shain telescope of the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory on May 21−23, 2004. A significant correlation between variations of circular and linear polarization measured along the cuts through the coma and nucleus of the comet was found. It means that single scattering of light on aligned non-spherical dust particles can produce circular as well as linear polarization. We call particular attention to the fact that the measured circular polarization in four comets, 1P/Halley, C/1995 O1 (Hale−Bopp), D/1999 S4 (LINEAR) and C/2001 Q4 (NEAT), was predominately left-handed. This question is discussed in the frame of light scattering by optically active organic particles.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.