Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Oct 2010
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010dps....42.5004e&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, DPS meeting #42, #50.04; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 42, p.1008
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Scientific paper
Cassini's Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) FP1 channel is a polarizing interferometer covering the spectral range from 10 to 600 cm-1. Consisting of a circular aperture, polarization data can therefore be obtained by rotating the instrument about its optical axis. Three measurements taken at 60 degrees apart, while ensuring that the targeted footprint and geometry are constant for the duration of the observation, make it possible to determine the Stokes vector and the degree of polarization of target bodies over the entire spectral range.
We have previously reported on the detection of a polarization signal in Saturn's A- and C- rings in the thermal infrared (Edgington, et al., B.A.A.S., 39, 460, 2007). Subsequent to reporting this, we have conducted more of this type of observation as the Cassini mission has progressed. In this paper, we present our latest analysis of several additional data sets. In particular, we look at the phase dependence of the polarization signal along with examining the directional dependence of the emissivity (the latter possibly being a factor in determining the presence of amorphous vs. crystalline water ice; Edgington, et al., B.A.A.S., 40, 443, 2008.).
We also look more deeply into possible physical mechanisms that can generate a polarization signal in the Saturn's various ring systems. These can include any or all of the following: bulk structure of a ring particle, properties of the ring particle regolith (surface structure and porosity changing the character of the isotropic thermal radiation originating from below the surface), footprints lying over particles exhibiting a non-isotropic temperature distribution, the presence of non-spherical particles, and/or reflections off of macroscopic structures (e.g. waves and wakes).
The research described in this paper was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
CIRS Team
Edgington Scott G.
Jennings David
Pilorz Stu
Spilker Linda
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