Polarimetry of Solar System minor bodies and planets

Dec 2024
Maps of the lunar albedo A (on the left), and the maximum degree of polarisation (in %, on the right) at 0.650 μm, illustrating the Umov-effect. Albedo map from Velikodsky et al. (2011), reprinted with permission from Elsevier, and map from Jeong et al. (2015), reprinted with permission from the author

The study of the polarisation of light is a powerful tool for probing the physical and compositional properties of astrophysical sources, including Solar System objects. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in polarimetric studies of various celestial bodies within our Solar System: planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. Additionally, we review relevant laboratory measurements and summarise the fundamental principles of polarimetric observational techniques.