Polarization from the Structured Envelopes of Cool Evolved Stars

Abstract

We present preliminary calculations of electron scattering polarizations from models of structured cool star envelopes. We note that net polarizations from unresolved sources can result from non-spherical scattering envelopes and/or anisotropic illumination from a photosphere that has brightness variations. The resultant polarizations are quite small (hundreths of a percent); however, Rayleigh scattering from molecular opacity and/or dust scattering from the more extended envelope under similar considerations may produce higher polarizations.

to appear in conference proceedings of The Biggest, Baddest, Coolest Stars