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Ten-color Gegenschein-zodiacal light photometer
Applied Optics
|February 20, 2010
Summary
A ten-color Fabry photometer measured sky brightness and polarization from zodiacal light to F region airglow during Skylab missions. The instrument
Area of Science:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space Physics
Background:
- Zodiacal light, background starlight, and F region airglow are key components of the Earth's sky brightness.
- Understanding these phenomena is crucial for space-based observations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure sky brightness and polarization during Skylab missions SL-2 and SL-3.
- To characterize zodiacal light, background starlight, F region airglow, and spacecraft corona.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a ten-color Fabry photometer.
- Conducted measurements during Skylab missions SL-2 and SL-3.
Main Results:
- Successfully measured sky brightness and polarization.
- Collected data on zodiacal light, starlight, airglow, and spacecraft corona.
Conclusions:
- The study provided valuable data on atmospheric and celestial light phenomena.
- The performance of the Fabry photometer was documented for future space missions.
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