Explaining the Observed Polarization from Brown Dwarfs by Single Dust Scattering

Details Explaining the Observed Polarization from Brown Dwarfs by Single Dust Scattering Explaining the Observed Polarization from Brown Dwarfs by Single Dust Scattering

2003-01-25

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0301516v1

Astrophys.J. 585 (2003) L155-L158

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

11 pages (Latex AAS v4.0) including 1 postscript figure, Accepted for publication by the Astrophysical Journal Letters

Scientific paper

10.1086/374305

Recent observation of linear optical polarization from brown dwarfs confirms the dust hypothesis in the atmospheres of brown dwarfs with effective temperature higher than 1400 K. The observed polarization could arise due to dust scattering in the rotation induced oblate photosphere or due to the scattering by non-spherical grains in the spherical atmosphere or by the anisotropic distribution of dust clouds. Assuming single scattering by spherical grains in a slightly oblate photosphere consistent with the projected rotational velocity, the observed optical linear polarization is modeled by taking grains of different sizes located at different pressure height and of different number density. Minimum possible oblateness of the object due to rotation is considered in order to constrain the grain size. It is shown that the observed polarization from the L-dwarfs 2MASSW J0036+1821 and DENIS-P J0255-4700 can well be explained by several sets of dust parameters and with the minimum possible oblateness. Models for the observed polarization constrain the maximum size of grains. It is emphasized that future observation of polarization at the blue region will further constrain the grain size.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Explaining the Observed Polarization from Brown Dwarfs by Single Dust Scattering 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 Explaining the Observed Polarization from Brown Dwarfs by Single Dust Scattering, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Explaining the Observed Polarization from Brown Dwarfs by Single Dust Scattering will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-715338