Spatial variations in thermal and albedo properties of the surface of Phobos

IMPORTANT information about the properties of the outermost layer of regolith on Phobos can be obtained from infrared thermal radiometry and spectrophotometry of the reflected radiation. From the analysis of Mariner 9^1,2, Viking 1,2^2-4 and ground-based experimental data it was concluded that the surface layer of Phobos consists of fine-grained material (regolith) ¹ with a composition close to that of carbonaceous chondrites^2,3. In the course of these measurements, Phobos was observed as a point-like object. Here we present results obtained with a resolution 1/20-1/40 of the mean Phobos diameter showing, for the first time, inhomogeneities in the thermal and spectral properties of the surface of Phobos.