Polarimetric observations of NEOs are important for a number of reasons:
• Determination of the geometric albedo and hence possible derivation of diameter
• Determination of some surface regolith properties
• For taxonomic classification purposes
• Because it is useful to identify special classes of objects having anomalous compositions
• Because it is useful to identify objects...
Polarimetry is an effective tool for remote sensing of asteroid surfaces, mainly for assessing their albedo and surface texture, and searching for surface peculiarities. The main advantage of the polarimetric method of albedo determination is that albedo can be derived directly from polarimetric measurements using simple empirical relationships between polarimetric parameters and albedos....
The Two-Channel-Focal-Reducer Rozhen (FoReRo2) was delivered to the Bulgarian National Astronomical Observatory (BNAO) Rozhen based on a contract between the Max-Planck Institute for Solar System Research and the Institute of Astronomy and National Astronomical Observatory (IA and NAO) in 2004. Since then, the FoReRo2 has been used at the f/8 Ritchey-Chrétien focus of the 2m...
The degree of linear polarization of sunlight scattered by an asteroid contains valuable information for rapid characterization of the surface properties of Near-Earth objects (NEOs). In the case of atmosphereless bodies the state of linear polarization varies as a function of the phase angle (α) and is described using the so-called Pr parameter.
The properties of the phase-polarization...
Polarization observations are a key tool for swiftly determining the size of a NEO, and consequently, their potential threat to Earth. The degree of linear polarization is inversely proportional to the albedo of the scattering surface of an asteroid. This relation is better constrained at high phase angles at which NEOs are usually observed and where polarization is more significant. This...
The polarization of light reflected by asteroids can be used to constrain the albedo of the asteroid's surface, and probe mineralogical surface properties such as grain size and index of refraction. Depending on the specific mineral components of the body these surface properties are expected to change with wavelength, and so observations of the polarization beyond the visible provide...
