NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
On the polarization of Alpha OrionisMuch of the complex behavior of the polarization observed in the M2 supergiant Alpha Ori can be explained in terms of the combined effects of Rayleigh scattering in the photosphere and scattering by circumstellar dust in the presence of one or more photospheric hot spots. The ad hoc scattering layer of electrons which Schwarz and Clarke employed in their models reported in 1984 can be avoided, eliminating the conflict with the much lower column densities found in other studies of the extended chromosphere of this star. The transfer of polarized continuum radiation in cool model atmospheres has been treated fully. Under conditions of optimal spot area and location on the disk and large temperature differences (up to 1000 K) between the spot and normal photosphere, it is possible to get a net polarization up to about 0.3 percent in the blue in the direct starlight. The effects of spot limb darkening on the polarization of scattered spot light have been evaluated. Narrow-band observations that include molecular bands are encouraged for their diagnostic value.
Document ID
19870023902
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Doherty, L. R.
(Wisconsin, University Madison, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1986
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Volume: 307
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
87A11176
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-422
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available