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Imaging Polarimetry of Eta Carinae with the Hubble Space Telescope

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 April 2016

Regina E. Schulte-Ladbeck
Affiliation:
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Anna Pasquali
Affiliation:
ST-ECF, ESO, D-85748 Garching bei München, Germany
Mark Clampin
Affiliation:
Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, MD21218
Antonella Nota
Affiliation:
Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, MD21218
John Hillier
Affiliation:
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260
O.L. Lupie
Affiliation:
Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, MD21218

Abstract

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We have taken advantage of the high spatial resolution attainable with the HST to map the linear polarization in the V band across the nebulosity surrounding Eta Car. There are several new results related to polarization variations on different size scales. First, we present a two-dimensional map of the amount and position angle of the polarization across the Homunculus. Second, we provide measurements of the polarization within prominent features such as the “jet”, the “paddle”, the “skirt”, and the “spot” in the south-eastern lobe. Third, we comment on polarization variations associated with the small-scale structure that can be seen in HST images (and which gives the lobes their cauliflower-like appearance). The new data provide insight into the three-dimensional distribution of dust about Eta Car.

Type
Section III Variable Winds
Copyright
Copyright © Springer-Verlag 1999

References

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