Forward, Backward, and Side Scattering Demonstration
Back Scattering
Forward Scattering
Zodiacal Light Demo
Zodiacal Light Demo
Zodiacal Light Demo
Scattering Demo

 

Code Number: 8B30.95

Demo Title: Forward, Backward, and Side Scattering - Zodiacal Light

Condition: Excellent

Principle: Scattering

Area of Study: Stellar Astronomy

Equipment:

Laser and Tank with Fluorescein dye, small water tank, coffee creamer, green laser pointer with mounting apparatus, Lazy Susan, Focusable green laser pointer, fog or dust from a spray can.

Procedure:

Aim the laser into one of the ends of the large fish tank containing the fluorescein dye or a small amount of Pine-Sol.  Then, you can either turn the table or walk around the table, while observing the different amounts of scattering.  There will be a pronounced amount of forward scattering in this demonstration. 

NOTE:  The small tank, laser and mount, and lazy Susan are located in the optics section at 6A44.45.  Attach the laser assembly to the small tank, fill it to approximately 2/3 full and place this onto the Lazy Suzan.  Add powdered coffee creamer to the water until the laser beam looks to be completely scattered about 1/2 way through its travel through the tank.  The laser beam is quite visible when viewed behind the laser or in the backscattered orientation, seems to travel about 1/2 way through the tank before being completely scattered when observed from the side, and seems to be completely scattered with no clear laser beam source when viewed from the forward scattered orientation.

Also see: 6F40.10 - Distortion Due to Atmospheric Scattering.

De-focus the laser to produce as large a spot as possible on a screen.  In a darkened room, turn on the laser and then spray the fog or sprinkle dust in the path of the laser beam making the laser beam visible to the audience who are sitting at roughly 90 to 120 degrees perpendicular to the path of the laser beam.

References:

  • Jearl Walker, "6.149, Zodiacal Light, Gegenschein and Other Nocturnal Lights", The Flying Circus of Physics Ed. 2, p. 302.
8B30.95 - Zodiacal Light
8B30.95 - Zodiacal Light Demonstration