Wavelength dependence of polarization. XXXIV - Observations of Venus

Abstract

Polarimetric observations of linear polarization on Venus are presented. The observations, which cover nine small disk areas as well as the whole disk, were made with seven filters between 0.3 and 1 micron and also with three filters in the range from 1.2 to 2.2 microns. A polarization wavelength dependence is determined which appears to confirm Landau's (1975) discovery of a steep rise in polarization near 3 microns. The dark UV markings on Venus are shown to be regions of more positive UV polarization and are interpreted as a general feature of a gaseous atmosphere in which sulfuric acid droplets are suspended.