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Voyager disk resolved photometry of the Saturnian satellitesThe scattering properties of the icy satellites of Saturn are studied. Scans of intensity along the photometric equator near opposition are analyzed, and disk-resolved measurements of intensity are fitted to simple photometric functions. Histograms of the albedo distribution across the satellite disks are constructed, and the geometric albedos are determined as a function of wavelength. It is found that, at low phase angles, Rhea and Dione closely follow lunar behavior with almost no limb darkening. Mimas, Tethys, and especially Enceladus show significant limb darkening at low phase angles, which suggest multiple scattering is important for their surfaces. No satellite's surface can be described by Lambert's law. The darker satellites are redder, and the darker areas of each satellite are redder. A longitudinal dark stripe which represents a 15 percent decrease in albedo is situated near the center of the trailing side of Tethys. Mimas and Enceladus both have remarkably flat spectral reflectances into the ultraviolet.
Document ID
19840066644
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Buratti, B. J.
(California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 59
ISSN: 0019-1035
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Report/Patent Number
ISSN: 0019-1035
Accession Number
84A49431
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-193
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7156
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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