AN INVESTIGATION OF POLARIZATION PHENOMENA PRODUCED BY SPACE OBJECTS

Abstract

Plane polarized light produced by the reflection of sunlight from a dielectric surface on a space object was observed. This was accomplished with a polarization analyzer which was added to the existing photoelectric telescope and recording equipment at the Sulphur Grove, Ohio tracking station. A maximum of 39% polarization was measured for one particular satellite (Space Object No. 893). The plane of polarization was found to be perpendicular to the plane of incidence as expected.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1967
Accession Number
AD0818327

Entities

People

  • Richard P. Stead

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Analyzers
  • Angle Of Incidence
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Celestial Brightness
  • Detection
  • Engineering
  • Geometry
  • Measurement
  • Optical Phenomena
  • Refraction
  • Refractive Index
  • Space Objects
  • Tape Recorders
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  • Coastal and Marine Engineering/Sediment Transport/Hydraulic Engineering
  • Electromagnetic Wave Scattering and Antenna Radiation Engineering

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Space Objects