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On the nature of the polarization opposition effect exhibited by Saturn's ringsThe nature of the unusually narrow photometric and polarization opposition effects exhibited by Saturn's A and B rings is examined using a theory and results of laboratory measurements. It is pointed out that the small angular width of both phenomena makes it difficult to explain them on the basis of the commonly used shadowing models. On the other hand, it is known from laboratory experiments and theoretical studies, that a strong and very narrow opposition peak in the reflected intensity can be produced by coherent backscattering of light from powderlike layers of small regolithic grains. Using Ozrin's (1992) rigorous vector theory of coherent backscattering, it is shown that, for subwavelength-sized regolithic particles, the photometric opposition effect is accompanied by a polarization opposition effect of the same angular width. This suggests that the polarization opposition effect of the Saturn's ring has the same origin as the photometric opposition effect and is due to coherent backscattering of light from the regolithic layer composed of the submicrometer-sized ice grains.
Document ID
19930057637
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Mishchenko, Michael I.
(NASA Goddard Inst. for Space Studies New York, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Volume: 411
Issue: 1
ISSN: 0004-637X
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
93A41634
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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