Subject: Re: abstract for MiMeS 2 meeting From: Rich Townsend Date: Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:21:17 -0500 To: Coralie.Neiner@obspm.fr, Oksala Mary , Stan Owocki , Asif ud-Doula , Marc Gagne , Maurice Leutenegger CC: David Cohen Coralie Neiner wrote: > Dear participants to the MiMeS 2 meeting, > > The deadline for submitting your abstract to the MiMeS 2 meeting was yesterday and I have not received yours yet. Please send me your abstract as soon as possible. Thanks! > > Coralie > Hi Coralie -- Here's my abstract: Modeling the magnetospheric polarization of sigma Ori E The linear polarization of sigma Ori E -- the archetypal magnetospheric massive star -- is modulated on the same 1.19d period characterizing the star's variability in other observables. In this talk, I'll present results from recent Monte-Carlo continuum polarization modeling using my Rigidly Rotating Magnetosphere model. In spite of the crap S/N of polarization data obtained in the 1970s, I'm able to constrain the mass and albedo of the material confined in the star's circumstellar magnetosphere --- an important step in understanding the processes responsible for limiting any further wind-fed accumulation of material. However, further progress -- for instance, determining the sky orientation of the star's rotation and magnetic axes -- will necessarily require new, higher-quality data. cheers, Rich