- #1
Julian_M
- 16
- 2
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ae0c08
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ae0c08/pdf
Above is peer reviewed article from The Astrophysical Journal Letters concerning "Extreme Negative Polarization of New Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS"
What is really the meaning of extreme negative polarization using the polarized sunglasses as analogy? Ever since last year I couldn't understand the meaning of extreme negative polarization about 3i/Atlas.
from the peer reviewed article above:
"We present the first polarimetric observations of the third discovered interstellar object, 3I/ATLAS (C/2025 N1), obtained pre-perihelion with FORS2/VLT, ALFOSC/NOT, and FoReRo2/RCC, over a phase angle range of 7.7-22.4°. This marks the second ever polarimetric study of an interstellar object, the first distinguishing 2I/Borisov from most Solar System comets by its higher positive polarisation. Our polarimetric measurements as a function of phase angle reveal that 3I is characterised by an deep and narrow negative polarisation branch, reaching a minimum value of -2.7% at phase angle 7°, and an inversion angle of 17° -- a combination unprecedented among asteroids and comets, including 2I/Borisov."
I googled a lot about it but managed to find a few illustrations only
To aid in understanding. About the paper description "reaching a minimum value of -2.7% at phase angle 7°, and an inversion angle of 17°". What is the minimum value, phase angle and inversion angle of a pair polarized sunglasses? I only know 90 degrees vertical and horizontal polarization description.
Also polarized sunglasses are dimmer because the other 90 degree is filtered. In the case of 3i/Atlas. Does it mean it looks dimmer because some polarization is shifted in angle very steep 2.7% like the 90 degree horizontal polarization being filtered in sunglasses?
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ae0c08/pdf
Above is peer reviewed article from The Astrophysical Journal Letters concerning "Extreme Negative Polarization of New Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS"
What is really the meaning of extreme negative polarization using the polarized sunglasses as analogy? Ever since last year I couldn't understand the meaning of extreme negative polarization about 3i/Atlas.
from the peer reviewed article above:
"We present the first polarimetric observations of the third discovered interstellar object, 3I/ATLAS (C/2025 N1), obtained pre-perihelion with FORS2/VLT, ALFOSC/NOT, and FoReRo2/RCC, over a phase angle range of 7.7-22.4°. This marks the second ever polarimetric study of an interstellar object, the first distinguishing 2I/Borisov from most Solar System comets by its higher positive polarisation. Our polarimetric measurements as a function of phase angle reveal that 3I is characterised by an deep and narrow negative polarisation branch, reaching a minimum value of -2.7% at phase angle 7°, and an inversion angle of 17° -- a combination unprecedented among asteroids and comets, including 2I/Borisov."
I googled a lot about it but managed to find a few illustrations only
To aid in understanding. About the paper description "reaching a minimum value of -2.7% at phase angle 7°, and an inversion angle of 17°". What is the minimum value, phase angle and inversion angle of a pair polarized sunglasses? I only know 90 degrees vertical and horizontal polarization description.
Also polarized sunglasses are dimmer because the other 90 degree is filtered. In the case of 3i/Atlas. Does it mean it looks dimmer because some polarization is shifted in angle very steep 2.7% like the 90 degree horizontal polarization being filtered in sunglasses?