Polarimetric study of the solar corona during the total solar eclipse on July 02, 2019 with a liquid crystal polarimeter

Abstract

The results obtained during the total Solar Eclipse on July 2, 2019, in Chile are presented together with the Eclipse K-corona Polarimeter (EKPol). The EKPol is equipped with an electro-optically modulating Liquid Crystal Variable Retarder (LCVR) for the polarimetric observation of the solar corona. The use of this technology has been an important ground-based test for the application of this technology in space-based observatories. The usage of LCVRs in a polarization rotator configuration, allows the replacement of mechanically rotating retarders avoiding moving parts and reducing noise, failure probability, and mass. Indeed, EKPol was developed as a technology demonstrator for the Metis coronagraph on-board Solar Orbiter. The results, from the composition of the image to the electron density map evaluation, are compared and are consistent with what is obtained by other ground-based and space-based instruments, and with past EKPol campaigns.