NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Dual-frequency bistatic-radar investigations of the moon with Apollos 14 and 15.Simultaneous 13- and 116-cm wavelength radio transmissions from the Apollo 14 and 15 spacecraft were received on the earth after reflection from the lunar surface. The received data were processed to obtain complete polarization and power spectra of the echo signal; the ellipticity, orientation, and magnitude of the deterministically polarized part were obtained as a function of frequency. The polarized parts of the echo spectra were then reduced according to the theory of quasi-specular scattering from a gently undulating surface. The unpolarized portions of the echo spectra were associated with a diffuse scattering mechanism. Within Mare Serenitatis and Oceanus Procellarum, the 13-cm data follow a classical Fresnel reflection curve corresponding to relative dielectric constant epsilon = 3.1 plus or minus 0.1. Over most of these same areas, the 116-cm data are consistent with this value of relative dielectric constant. In some areas, however, notably between Reiner and Hevelius, there are marked deviations from the reflectivities predicted for epsilon = 3.1. These results cannot be explained on the basis of simple models employing contiguous, semiinfinite, dielectric interfaces.
Document ID
19730054912
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Tyler, G. L.
Howard, H. T.
(Stanford University Stanford, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 7, 2013
Publication Date
August 10, 1973
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 78
Subject Category
Space Sciences
Accession Number
73A39714
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS5-10579
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available