A STUDY OF THE EARTHLIGHT ON THE MOON.
Abstract
The observational theoretical and empirical problems of determining the contribution of earthlight to the night-time illumination on the moon have been considered in detail. A photographic survey program to determine the absolute intensity of the earthlight portion of the moon is described. An empirical phase curve relating the mean magnitude difference between the earth and the sun has been derived from visual photometry measurements. The problems of predicting the albedo of the earth as well as predicting the mean albedo of specific location on the lunar surface are reviewed. Theoretical and empirical determinations of the photometric function of the lunar surface are discussed. Tables and graphs of relative surface brightness under earthlight are presented for a number of locations on the moon. These include information about nine APOLLO sites as well as locations every 5 deg. of longitude and latitude between plus or minus 50 deg. longitude and latitude. The tables are for zero libration. Although the tables and graphs have been compiled under simplifying assumptions; instructions for making the necessary corrections to specific situations are discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0658168
Entities
People
- D. Scott Birney Jr.
- David D. Meisel