Monochromatic polarization measures of comet Ikeya-Seki (1965f)

Monochromatic measures of polarization of Comet Ikeya-Seki (I 965f) at 3 890 A, 4 300 A, 4 740 A and 5 875 A are described. The relative contributions of emission and continuum to radiation transmitted by the fflters at 3 890 A and 4740 A are evaluated. The polarization at phase angle 900 of the CN (o,o) band is 6'9% while that of the C2 (1,0) band is %, in close agreement with the theoretical values for resonance fluorescence. The polarization value of the continuum is % at phase angle 900, while for the same phase angle, a measure of the polarization in the tail, 3' away from the head, is 13' 6%. The agencies responsible for the continuum in both head and tail are likely to have a difference in the major constituent. The role of ices and iron particles as scattering agencies is discussed. -