Polarimetric signature of the oceans as detected by near-infrared Earthshine observations

Abstract

Context. The discovery of an extrasolar planet with an ocean has crucial importance in the search for life beyond Earth. The polarimetric detection of specularly reflected light from a smooth liquid surface is anticipated theoretically, though the polarimetric signature of Earth's oceans has not yet been conclusively detected in disk-integrated planetary light. Aims. We aim to detect and measure the polarimetric signature of the Earth's oceans. Methods. We conducted near-infrared polarimetry for lunar Earthshine and collected data on 32 nights with a variety of ocean fractions in the Earthshine-contributing region. Results. A clear positive correlation was revealed between the polarization degree and ocean fraction. We found hourly variations in polarization in accordance with rotational transition of the ocean fraction. The ratios of the variation to the typical polarization degree were as large as ~0.2-1.4. Conclusions. Our observations provide plausible evidence of the polarimetric signature attributed to Earth's oceans. Near-infrared polarimetry may be considered a prospective technique in the search for exoplanetary oceans.

arXiv commentPublished in A&A (20 pages, 14 figures, 3 tables). Note added in proof

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• Quantitative grain size estimation on airless bodies from the negative polarization branch. II. Dawn mission targets (4) Vesta and (1) Ceres
• Ocean signatures in the total flux and polarization spectra of Earth-like exoplanets