The Polarization of Thermal 'Solar Noise' and a Determination of the Sun's General Magnetic Field

Abstract

The equation of transfer of radiation and the magneto-ionic theory are used to derive expressions for the degree of polarization of thermal " solar noise " due to a general magnetic field of the sun. In particular, the net polarization of 600 Mc/s. (50 cm.) radiation corresponding to the maximum phase of the eclipse of November 1, 1948, as seen from Melbourne, Victoria, is evaluated theoretically and compared with observational evidence. This leads to an upper limit of 11 gauss for the surface field- strength at the solar poles at the time of observation.