Some new aspects in analyzing photopolarimetric observations of planets

Abstract

Some new difficulties appearing in analyzing polarimetric observations of planets with optically thick and optically thin atmospheres are discussed. Using the atmosphere of Jupiter as an example, it is demonstrated that specific choice of particle shape in model computations can affect significantly the values of cloud particle parameters retrieved from photopolarimetric data. Besides, we consider the influence of various factors on the interpretation of ptotopolarimetric observations of Mars performed during periods of high transparency of its atmosphere. The re-analysis of the polarization phase curves obtained in such periods shows the impossibility to derive reliable estimates of the properties of Martian dust particles.