[19459] Polarization occurs when the vibrations of a transverse wave, especially light, are limited to a direction wholly or partially. Scientists have conducted studies to understand how the phenomenon is affected when sunlight is reflected on the surface of celestial bodies. But in this case, the strange levels of polarization from certain angles present a new mystery.
Although the exact answer to this question remains unknown, the group stated that the phenomenon could be explained if the asteroid in question reflects much less light than initially estimated. They pointed out that if the small percentage of light reflected by the asteroid was broadcast several times before reaching the observers on Earth, such polarization levels could be observed from certain angles.
"If the albedo (percentage of reflected light) is lower than previously thought, it would reduce the effectiveness of multiple scatterings, so that the highly polarized light that has only been thoughtful one time would dominate, "said Takashi Ito, the main author of the research, in a statement
. , the idea perfectly matches the 3200 Phaethon. Its surface is covered with loose rubble, which could cause light reflected from one part of the surface to hit another before reaching the viewer. However, the attenuated light that would reduce the effectiveness of these diffusions could be the result of various factors.
According to the group, either the surface of the asteroid might be too dark to reflect the high levels of light or the rubble covering its surface could be made of a very porous material or larger grains , which could form during solar overflights near the rock. In the vicinity of the sun, the surface of the asteroid could be heated up to a whopping 1,000 degrees C.
That said, future missions at 3,200 Phaethon could reveal more of its features, including the nature of its surface. The Japanese space agency JAXA plans to launch a probe in 2022, one that would fly to the rock and make detailed observations.
The study entitled "Extremely Strong Polarization of an Active Asteroid (3200) Phaethon", was published in June. Nature Communications Journal.
