PHASE CURVES AND ALBEDOS OF TERRESTRIAL PLANETS

Abstract

This study was undertaken as part of an investigation of navigation within the solar system by optical means. The objective is to evaluate the suitability of various physical phenomena a sources of navigational information and to estimate the accuracy of navigational information obtained by various techniques. The AMOUNT OF ENERGY RECEIVED FROM THE PLANETS AT VARIOUS WAVELENGTHS IS OF INTEREST IN GUIDANCE. For guidance of space probes at large ranges, the total energy flux is the significant quantity. For physical investigations from probes at small ranges the energy flux per unit area, i.e., the reflectivity or albedo of the planet or of small parts of it, is the determinant quantity. In both cases the spectral distribution of the energy is also significant, e.g., to estimate the amount of energy available in a specified spectral range transmitted by a given filter. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1961
Accession Number
AD0261165

Entities

People

  • G.de Vaucouleurs

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Guidance
  • Instrumentation
  • Measuring Instruments
  • Navigation
  • Probes
  • Reflectivity
  • Solar System
  • Space Probes

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Astronomy/Astrophysics
  • Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Engineering.
  • Radar Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Space