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Related Experiment Videos

Slope variations on the surface of Phobos.

K Muinonen1, K Lumme, W M Irvine

  • 1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Massachusetts, Amherst 01003, USA.

Planetary and Space Science
|January 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary

Statistical photoclinometry reveals varying surface slopes on Phobos, with mean slopes decreasing on larger scales. This method accounts for particle scattering variations, offering new insights into the moon

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Area of Science:

  • Planetary Science
  • Photometry
  • Surface Morphology

Background:

  • Statistical photoclinometry is a method for determining surface slope fluctuations.
  • Phobos exhibits variations in particle scattering properties and micro-structure formation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To extend the photoclinometric method of brightness moments to account for scattering variations.
  • To analyze the surface topography and scattering properties of Phobos.

Main Methods:

  • Extended the photoclinometric method to include statistical fluctuations in the Lommel-Seeliger scattering law.
  • Analyzed brightness moments and scattering phase function variations.
  • Investigated fractal-like scale-invariance in the brightness covariance function.
Keywords:
NASA Discipline ExobiologyNASA Discipline Number 52-50NASA Program ExobiologyNon-NASA Center

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Main Results:

  • Mean slope on Phobos varies from approximately 12 degrees (61m scale) to 7 degrees (216-272m scale).
  • Standard deviation of the scattering phase function is approximately 2% on the same scales.
  • Covariance function of brightness shows hints of fractal-like scale-invariance.

Conclusions:

  • The extended photoclinometric method successfully accounts for scattering property variations on Phobos.
  • Phobos's surface exhibits scale-dependent topographic characteristics and scattering behavior.
  • Findings suggest complex surface processes and potential fractal properties on Phobos.