Imaging polarimetry of eta carinae with the hubble space telescope

Abstract

We have taken advantage of the high spatial resolution attainable with the HST to map the linear polarization in the V band across the nebulosity surrounding Eta Car. There are several new results related to polarization variations on different size scales. First, we present a two-dimensional map of the amount and position angle of the polarization across the Homunculus. Second, we provide measurements of the polarization within prominent features such as the “jet”, the “paddle”, the “skirt”, and the “spot” in the south-eastern lobe. Third, we comment on polarization variations associated with the small-scale structure that can be seen in HST images (and which gives the lobes their cauliflower-like appearance). The new data provide insight into the three-dimensional distribution of dust about Eta Car.