Abstract
Atmospheric aerosols scatter light predominantly in the near-forward direction to cause a brightening near the sun (the solar aureole). Measurements of the brightness gradient and absolute radiance in the solar aureole can be used to infer information about the size distribution of aerosols. A photoelectric coronameter is described which allows accurate measurements of the sky radiance to be made in the aureole region. The instrument has potential application in background aerosol monitoring and air pollution studies.
