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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
Published on: July 1, 2019
Infrared Absorptions near Three Microns Recorded over the Polar Cap of Mars
Abstract:
During the Mariner 7 flyby of Mars, the infrared spectrometer recorded distinct, sharp absorption. near 3020 and 3300 reciprocal centimeters between 61 degrees S and 80 degrees S. at the edge of the southern polar cap, with maximum optical density near 68 degrees S and 341 degrees E. These hands, which match in frequency the v(3) bands of methane and ammonia, can be associated with previously unreported spectral features of solid carbon dioxide exceeding 1 millimeter in thickness. Possible reasons for the geographic localization are discussed.
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