Theory of Planetary Photometry
Abstract
Modern definitions of photometric quantities and their units are reviewed, including the bidirectional reflectance-distribution function. These ideas are applied to the scattering of light by a spherical planet under the most general reflection laws, and also more restricted cases including Lambertian and Lommel-Seeliger scattering laws and phase laws dependent on phase angle alone. The theory is given in terms of 'physical' concepts such as exitance and irradiance as well as in terms of 'astronomical' concepts such as magnitude and albedo.
- Publication:
-
Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
- Pub Date:
- October 1979
- Bibcode:
- 1979JRASC..73..233L
- Keywords:
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- Albedo;
- Photometry;
- Planetary Radiation;
- Planetary Surfaces;
- Astronomical Models;
- Bidirectional Reflectance;
- Light Scattering;
- Planetary Structure;
- Surface Properties;
- Astronomy