[fitswcs] Polarization codes

[Steve Allen]

On Fri 2008-03-14T02:39:27 +0000, Paddy Leahy hath writ:
> Example: From (IQUV) absorption spectra, calculate the optical depth
> separately for polarized and unpolarized emission. The ratio (fractional
> polarization of optical depth) tells you something interesting about the
> absorbing material. The polarized absorption may also be anisotropic,
> hence there may be an angle for the polarized optical depth. This can
> happen in theory for absorption by Zeeman-split lines, although I have to
> admit that I've not heard about a measurement in an astronomical context.

Isn't this pretty much the data used by a solar magnetograph?
If so, we need input from practicing solar astronomers before we're done.

--
Steve Allen                 <sla at ucolick.org>                WGS-84 (GPS)
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