A Search for Optical Circular Polarization in White Dwarfs and Late-Type Stars with Circumstellar Shells
Abstract
A search for broad-band optical circular polarization in the light from white dwarfs has been carried out for 15 stars previously observed for lurainosity vanations. The data for three of the observed dwarfs-EG 11, EG 55, and EG 165-suggest the presence of circular polarization, if a 2 a' effect is used as the criterion for a positive result. We have also searched for broad band optical circular polarization in siz late-type stars which exhibit intrinsic plane polarization and large infrared excess. If the same criteria as for the white dwarfs were used, only Z Eri showed an effect. Subject headings:circumstellar shells - polarization - white-dwarf stars
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- March 1973
- DOI:
- 10.1086/181166
- Bibcode:
- 1973ApJ...180L.123R