Goniofotometri

Goniofotometri is a technique used in radioastronomy to study the polarization state of celestial sources. This method involves the use of a combination of a polarizing agent, a photoelectric detector, and a rotating mount to measure the polarization angle and degree of polarization of the incoming radiation.

The name goniofotometri is derived from the Greek words "gonia," meaning angles, and "fotometri," meaning brightness measurement. This technique is based on the principle that the plane of polarization of a light wave is perpendicular to the plane of incidence. By rotating the polarizing agent and measuring the changes in brightness as a function of the angle, scientists can determine the polarization state of the radiation.

Goniofotometri has been widely used in radioastronomy to study the polarization properties of celestial sources such as the Sun, stars, and galaxies. The technique is particularly useful for studying the magnetized environments that surround these objects. By analyzing the polarization patterns of the radiation, scientists can gain insights into the magnetic fields, plasma properties, and other physical processes operating within these systems.

The goniofotometri method provides a powerful tool for understanding the complex magnetic fields that govern the behavior of charged particles in various astrophysical environments. This knowledge has important implications for fields such as solar physics, stellar physics, and cosmology. The technique has been implemented in various radio telescopes around the world, including the Very Large Array in New Mexico and the Effelsberg 100-meter radio telescope in Germany.