Polarization from the Structured Envelopes of Cool Evolved Stars

We present preliminary calculations of electron scattering polarizations from models of structured cool star envelopes. We note that net polarizations from unresolved sources can result from non-spherical scattering envelopes and/or anisotropic illumination from a photosphere that has brightness var...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inarXiv.org
Main Authors Ignace, R, Henson, G D, Carson, J
Format Paper
LanguageEnglish
Published Ithaca Cornell University Library, arXiv.org 23.10.2008
Subjects
Cool stars
Photosphere
Rayleigh scattering
Stellar envelopes
Stellar evolution
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Summary:We present preliminary calculations of electron scattering polarizations from models of structured cool star envelopes. We note that net polarizations from unresolved sources can result from non-spherical scattering envelopes and/or anisotropic illumination from a photosphere that has brightness variations. The resultant polarizations are quite small (hundreths of a percent); however, Rayleigh scattering from molecular opacity and/or dust scattering from the more extended envelope under similar considerations may produce higher polarizations.
ISSN:2331-8422