Benchmark data

摘要

Almost 40 years ago, using ground-based polarimetry and a numerical code, researchers6 found that Venus's bright cloud layer consists of tiny droplets of sulphuric acid. This result convincingly demonstrated the strengths of polarimetry of reflected sunlight for characterizing planetary atmospheres. Sterzik and colleagues' now show that spectropolarimetry of Earthshine provides a benchmark for studying Earth-like exoplanets.