Satellites of Saturn - Optical properties
Abstract
This review concentrates on composition and microstructures derived from photometric, spectrophotometric, and thermal observations from spacecraft and from groundbased telescopes. Photometric phase integrals of Mimas, Enceladus, Tethys, Dione, and Rhea were determined from Voyager photometry over a wide range in phase angles, and similar values were derived from Voyager infrared observations. General agreement is found for most objects with the exception of Rhea. A lunar-like law of surface optical scattering is found for some satellites, but others are somewhat more complex, involving a significant component of Lambert-like scattering. The high albedos of the small, innermost satellites suggest a water-ice composition. Low mean densities of the larger satellites (including Titan) indicate a bulk composition dominated by water, but the surface exposures of water ice are contaminated in varying degree by dust or other material fairly neutral or reddish in color.
- Publication:
-
Saturn
- Pub Date:
- 1984
- Bibcode:
- 1984satn.book..640C
- Keywords:
-
- Optical Properties;
- Planetary Composition;
- Satellite Observation;
- Saturn Satellites;
- Astronomical Photometry;
- Dione;
- Enceladus;
- Hyperion;
- Iapetus;
- Ice;
- Mimas;
- Phoebe;
- Rhea (Astronomy);
- Tethys;
- Titan;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration