Some attempts of polarimetric sounding of Comet Halley will be undertaken from the flyby probes. In order to facilitate the final planning and the future interpretation of these experiments we have done a thorough analysis of practically all available polarimetric observations. An emphasis is made on interpretation attempts and their discussion. The results of the phase dependence of polarization investigations are presented covering a wide range of phase angles G(. The chief peculiarities of this dependence are: maximum polarization at GI = 90", diminishing through zero at a z 20", negative values up to several per cent and a final growth to zero at zero c(. A division into "gaseous" and "dusty" comets on polarimetric basis is revealed. The wavelength dependence of polarization is discussed. The numerous results of detailed polarimetry are compared to the negative results of attempts to detect the elliptical polarization. New observational problems arising from the evidence given by the negative polarization at small phase angles and by the "opposition effect" recently discovered are discussed.
The sublimation or artificial icy cometary nuclei with different inclusions is investigated. Formation of meteoroids is discussed in connection with new polarizational observations of comet West. The possibility of chemical reactions on the sublimating surface is noted.
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