Workshop on Lunar Calibration for Satellite Remote Sensing

Tracking climate variables at the levels of precision and accuracy required to detect global change requires satellite sensors to make highly consistent measurements that can be compared to measurements made at different times and with different instruments. Gaps in climate data records, such as those resulting from launch delay or instrument failure, and inconsistencies in radiometric scales between satellites can introduce unnecessary measurement error and thus undermine the credibility of fundamental climate data records. To address these issues, leading experts in satellite remote sensing and lunar observation and modeling assembled at the National Institute of Standards and Technology from 12-15 May 2012 for a workshop to discuss the utility of and strategies for using the Moon to calibrate satellite remote sensing measurements. This report summarizes the outcome of the workshop, including suggested steps to maximize the value of the Moon as an exoatmospheric calibration source for satellite remote sensing.