The second solar spectrum

Progress in instrumentation and observational techniques brought a wealth of new information about the Sun in recent years. High precision imaging polarimeters allowed astrophysicists to unveil a hidden face of the Sun:the spectral richness of the scattering polarization at the extreme solar limb, which has been called the "Second Solar Spectrum". It provides complementary information on the physical structure of the solar atmosphere in addition to the Fraunhofer spectrum of the solar irradiance.

The Atlas of the "Second Solar Spectrum" gives a complete overview on the scattering polarization structures inthe wavelength interval between 4625 to 6995 Angstroem with unprecedented spectral resolution andpolarimetric accuracy. Many of the spectral structures have been observed for the first time and remain to be understood in terms of solar physics as well as atomic physics.

The data are presented in graphical form to provide a reference catalogue for solar researchers working in the field. It is intended as a standard reference manual for future observations in selected regions as well as a datasource for theoretical studies on polarized radiative transfer in stellar atmospheres.

The Atlas is a unique source of information not only for professional astronomers but also for scientists working in spectroscopy and related topics.