Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Sep 1987
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1987msngr..49...24m&link_type=abstract
The Messenger, vol. 49, p. 24-25
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Polarimeters
Scientific paper
The explosion of the supernova SN 1987A in the LMC on February 23, 1987, was such an exceptional event for the present generation of astronomers that all possible efforts are justified that could allow a deeper insight into the somewhat spectacular results obtained for the supernova. It is not our purpose to review here the discussions that were triggered by the observation of two different neutrino showers that raised the question as to whether the precursor of SN 1987A is now a black hole or a neutron"star. If we assume the latter, it should be possible to carry out linear as weil as circular polarization measurements synchronous with the perhaps fast rotating central star, as soon as the pulsar becomes visible. With respect to the distance modulus of SN 1987A, which is of the order of 18.5, it is evident that we cannot directly observe in the visible domain the polarization of a central object in the supernova. However, it will perhaps be possible to measure the interaction of a strong and quickly varying magnetic field with the shell surrounding the pulsar. To derive a correlation between polarization and magnetic field, it must be possible to measure the polarization synchronously with the rotation of the neutron star. This can be implemented in a simple way also in the relatively slow ESO polarimeter PISCO. The intended modification has to be carried out in such a way that absolutely no interferences with the usual functions of the instrument can occur (Stahl et al., 1986). Therefore the proposed changes mainly have to be shifted onto the software facilities of the instrument. Since it requires much work to prepare the requisite programmes at a computer we have to start our modifications immediately and therefore at a time we are by no means certain about the usefulness of our efforts. However, once created, the intended modification can also be used for measuring fast varying objects like polars of DQ Her type.
Hofstadt Daniel
Kunze D.
Metz Klaus
Roth Marcel
No associations
LandOfFree
A new device for performing high-speed polarimetric measurements. 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 A new device for performing high-speed polarimetric measurements., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A new device for performing high-speed polarimetric measurements. will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1676647