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Uranus satellites - Surface propertiesThe post-Voyager knowledge of the photometric, colorimetric, spectral, and thermal properties of the Uranian satellites is reviewed, focusing on such fundamental physical properties as albedo, color, and surface texture. While albedo variations of at least a factor of 2 exist, color differences are almost absent (Miranda) or subdued (Oberon). In the case of Titania, the strong opposition effect reported by ground-based observers was confirmed by Voyager. Voyager did not observe the opposition parts of the phase curves of the other satellites. Voyager thermal observations of Ariel and Miranda suggest that both have highly porous regoliths, thermophysically similar to those of Jupiter's icy satellites. At the time of the flyby (south pole facing the sun), maximum surface temperatures reached or exceeded 85 K, but nighttime polar temperatures are predicted to drop to 20 to 30 K because each pole spends about 40 yr in darkness. Ground-based spectroscopy identified water ice as an important surface constituent.
Document ID
19920036090
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Veverka, J.
(Cornell University Ithaca, NY, United States)
Brown, R. H.
(JPL Pasadena, CA, United States)
Bell, Jeffrey F.
(Hawaii, University Honolulu, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1991
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
92A18714
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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