Polarimetry of Stars and Planetary Systems

A comprehensive review of state-of-the-art techniques, models and research methods in modern astronomical polarimetry.

Ludmilla Kolokolova (Edited by), James Hough (Edited by), Anny-Chantal Levasseur-Regourd (Edited by)

9781107043909, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 14 May 2015

503 pages, 320 b/w illus.
25.3 x 19.6 x 2.7 cm, 1.25 kg

Summarising the striking advances of the last two decades, this reliable introduction to modern astronomical polarimetry provides a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art techniques, models and research methods. Focusing on optical and near-infrared wavelengths, each detailed, up-to-date chapter addresses a different facet of recent innovations, including new instrumentation, techniques and theories; new methods based on laboratory studies, enabling the modelling of polarimetric characteristics for a wide variety of astronomical objects; emerging fields of polarimetric exploration, including proto-planetary and debris discs, icy satellites, transneptunian objects, exoplanets, and the search for extraterrestrial life; and unique results produced by space telescopes, and polarimeters aboard exploratory spacecraft. With contributions from an international team of accomplished researchers, this is an ideal resource for astronomers and researchers working in astrophysics, earth sciences, and remote sensing keen to learn more about this valuable diagnostic tool. The book is dedicated to the memory of renowned polarimetrist Tom Gehrels.

Part I. Introduction: 1. Preface Ludmilla Kolokolova, James Hough and Anny-Chantal Levasseur-Regourd
2. The life of Tom Gehrels Neil Gehrels, George Gehrels, Jo-Ann Gehrels and Aleida Gehrels
Part II. Theory, Instrumentation, Laboratory Studies: 3. Measurement and modelling of electromagnetic scattering by particles and particle groups Michael I. Mishchenko
4. Instrumentation Christoph U. Keller, Frans Snik, David M. Harrington and Chris Packham
5. Laboratory studies Anny-Chantal Levasseur-Regourd, Jean-Baptiste Renard, Yuriy Shkuratov and Edith Hadamcik
6. Grain alignment: role of radiative torques and paramagnetic relaxation Alexander Lazarian, B.-G. Andersson and Thiem Hoang
7. Multiple scattering of light in particulate planetary media Karri Muinonen, Antti Penttilä and Gorden Videen
8. Experimental scattering matrices of clouds of randomly oriented particles Olga Muñoz and Joop W. Hovenier
Part III. Stars and their Environment: 9. Interstellar polarization Terry Jay Jones and Douglas C. B. Whittet
10. Young stellar objects and their environment Motohide Tamura and Jungmi Kwon
11. T Tauri and Herbig Ae/Be stars Pierre Bastien
12. Magnetic fields in high-mass star forming regions Antonio Chrysostomou, Martin Houde and Brenda C. Matthews
13. Evolved stars Tim Gledhill
14. Stellar magnetic fields Stefano Bagnulo and John D. Landstreet
15. Imaging of protoplanetary and debris disks Marshall D. Perrin, Dean C. Hines, John P. Wisniewski and Glenn Schneider
Part IV. Solar System: 16. The Sun Jan O. Stenflo
17. Terrestrial planets Vadim Kaydash, Yuriy Shkuratov, Michael Wolff and Gorden Videen
18. The Moon Yuriy Shkuratov, Nikolay Opanasenko, Viktor Korokhin and Gorden Videen
19. Gas giant planets, Saturn's rings, and Titan Robert West, Padma Yanamandra-Fisher and Viktor Korokhin
20. Icy moons of the outer planets Vera Rosenbush, Nikolai Kiselev and Viktor Afanasiev
21. Asteroids Alberto Cellino, Ricardo Gil-Hutton and Irina Belskaya
22. Comets Nikolai Kiselev, Vera Rosenbush, Anny Chantal Levasseur-Regourd and Ludmilla Kolokolova
23. Transneptunian objects and Centaurs Irina Belskaya and Stefano Bagnulo
24. Interplanetary dust Jérémie Lasue, Anny-Chantal Levasseur-Regourd and Alexander Lazarian
Part V. Exoplanets and Exobiology: 25. Exoplanets Sloane J. Wiktorowicz and Daphne M. Stam
26. Astrobiology William Sparks, James Hough and Ludmilla Kolokolova
Appendix A. Polarimetric definitions for astronomy.

Subject Areas: Geographical information systems [GIS & remote sensing RGW], Astrophysics [PHVB], Solar system: the Sun & planets [PGS], Theoretical & mathematical astronomy [PGC], Astronomy, space & time [PG]