Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Solar and Stellar Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2010-03-08
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Solar and Stellar Astrophysics
10 pages, 5 figures, accepted by MNRAS
Scientific paper
We report observations of the linear polarization of a sample of 49 nearby bright stars measured to sensitivities of between ~1 and 4 x 10^-6. The majority of stars in the sample show measurable polarization, but most polarizations are small with 75% of the stars having P < 2 x 10^-5. Correlations of the polarization with distance and position, indicate that most of the polarization is of interstellar origin. Polarizations are small near the galactic pole and larger at low galactic latitudes, and the polarization increases with distance. However, the interstellar polarization is very much less than would be expected based on polarization-distance relations for distant stars showing that the solar neighbourhood has little interstellar dust. BS 3982 (Regulus) has a polarization of ~ 37 x 10^-6, which is most likely due to electron scattering in its rotationally flattened atmosphere. BS 7001 (Vega) has polarization at a level of ~ 17 x 10^-6 which could be due to scattering in its dust disk, but is also consistent with interstellar polarization in this direction. The highest polarization observed is that of BS 7405 (alpha Vul) with a polarization of 0.13%
Bailey Jeremy
Hough James H.
Lucas Philip W.
No associations
LandOfFree
The linear polarization of nearby bright stars measured at the parts per million level does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with The linear polarization of nearby bright stars measured at the parts per million level, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The linear polarization of nearby bright stars measured at the parts per million level will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-454183