Near infrared interferometry of the Galilean satellites
Abstract
There is considerable evidence that there are two distinct types of surfaces on some of the Galilean satellites: the high albedo frost and some dark material with an albedo not greater than 0.1. A program is underway to map the spatial distribution of these components with a Michelson spatial interferometer. The visibility function of a planet with bright polar caps is plotted and discussed, with limb darkening being ignored. Instrumentation is discussed relative to modulation of the interference fringes, signal processing, and SNR. Atmospheric results are presented. It is concluded that NIR interferometry can be a useful tool in the study of Galilean satellites. New information on infrared seeing can be obtained with this type of interferometer.
- Publication:
-
IAU Colloq. 50: High Angular Resolution Stellar Interferometry
- Pub Date:
- 1979
- Bibcode:
- 1979hars.proc...17H
- Keywords:
-
- Galilean Satellites;
- Infrared Interferometers;
- Near Infrared Radiation;
- Atmospheric Optics;
- Michelson Interferometers;
- Planetary Surfaces;
- Polar Regions;
- Spatial Distribution;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration