Introduction to Planetary Photometry

This accessible handbook demonstrates how reflected light can be measured and used to investigate the properties of Solar System objects.

Michael K. Shepard (Author)

9781107131743, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 27 April 2017

258 pages, 69 b/w illus. 8 tables 40 exercises
23.5 x 15.5 x 1.5 cm, 0.54 kg

Introducing planetary photometry as a quantitative remote sensing tool, this handbook demonstrates how reflected light can be measured and used to investigate the physical properties of bodies in our Solar System. The author explains how data gathered from telescopes and spacecraft are processed and used to infer properties such as the size, shape, albedo, and composition of celestial objects including planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. Beginning with an overview of the history and background theory of photometry, later chapters delve into the physical principles behind commonly used photometric models and the mechanics of observation, data reduction, and analysis. Real-world examples, problems, and case studies are included, all at an introductory level suitable for new graduate students, planetary scientists, amateur astronomers and researchers looking for an overview of this field.

Preface
1. A brief history of planetary photometry
2. Photometry conventions, terminology, and standards
3. The mechanics of planetary observing
4. The physical basis of photometric scattering models
5. Planetary reflectance and basic scattering laws
6. Planetary disk-integrated photometry
7. Planetary disk-resolved photometry
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Earth sciences [RB], Astronomical observation: observatories, equipment & methods [PGG], Astronomy, space & time [PG]