Modeling and Mapping PHOBOS
Abstract
The mapping of the approximately ellipsoidal Phobos is discussed. A computer program originally written to represent the shape of Jupiter was modified to calculate the dimensions of a special polyhedron that approximates the 27-km long Martian moon. A plaster model was prepared, and a light source was used to simulate the sun; the orientation of the model was matched with the orientation of Phobos as seen by Mariner, and visual inspection of shadow effects on the model led to modification of the model and aided interpretation of Mariner photographs of craters. The diameters of the 260 craters detected range from 11.2 to 0.3 km, while their depths range from 960 to less than 10 m. The amount of material excavated from Stickney, the largest crater, is calculated.
- Publication:
-
Sky and Telescope
- Pub Date:
- October 1978
- Bibcode:
- 1978S&T....56..299T
- Keywords:
-
- Craters;
- Phobos;
- Planetary Mapping;
- Scale Models;
- Ellipsoids;
- Lambert Surface;
- Mariner 9 Space Probe;
- MARINER 9;
- PHOBOS;
- MODELS;
- MAPPING;
- CRATERS;
- STICKNEY;
- SATELLITES;
- HALL;
- CRATER FORMATION;
- TOPOGRAPHY;
- MAPS;
- POPULAR;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration; Satellites of Mars