Exploration Of The Solar System By Infrared Remote Sensing

This page intentionally left blank EXPLORATION OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM BY INFRARED REMOTE SENSING This book describes all aspects of the theory, instrumental techniques, and observational results of the remote sensing of objects in our Solar System through studies of infrared radiation. Fully revised since publication of the first edition in 1992, it now incorporates the latest technologies, new mission results, and scientific discoveries. It also includes a fully up-dated list of references to reflect the advances made in this field during the past ten years. The theories of radiative transfer, molecular spectroscopy, and atmospheric physics are first combined to show how it is possible to calculate the infrared spectra of model planetary atmospheres. Next the authors describe the instrumental techniques, in order to assess the effect of real instruments on the measurement of the emerging radiation field. Finally, techniques that allow the retrieval of atmospheric and surface parameters from observations are examined. There are plenty of examples from ground-based and space observations that demonstrate the methods of finding temperatures, gas compositions, and certain parameters of the solid surface. All planets from Mercury to Pluto, many of their satellites, asteroids, and comets are discussed. The presentation will appeal to advanced students and professional planetary science researchers, although some chapters are of wider interest. The authors have drawn on their extensive experience at the NASA–Goddard Space Flight Center to produce a definitive account of what can be learned from infrared studies of our planetary system. r u d o l f h a n e l worked at the Goddard Space Flight Center for 31 years where he served as Principal Investigator on missions a