Polarization of the Solar Corona

Abstract

DURING the eclipse of June 19, 1936, at the observation station near the village of Kalenoe on the banks of the Ural River (U.S.S.R.), an investigation of the polarization of the solar corona was carried out by the expedition from Abastumani Observatory. The observations were made under perfect atmospheric conditions. A polarigraph with a reflecting analyser was used. The polarization was studied in two regions of the spectrum, corresponding to photographic and visual rays. In each series three plates were obtained with planes of polarization making angles of 60°. This enabled us to determine the degree and the direction of polarization at each point. On the plates the zone from 10´ to 40´ from the limb was found to be suitable for accurate photometric measurements. The effect of polarization is obvious.