NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Earth Glint Observations Conducted During the Deep Impact Spacecraft FlybyWe describe observations of Earth conducted using the High Resolution Instrument (HRI) - a 0.3 m f/35 telescope - on the Deep Impact (DI) spacecraft during its recent flybys. Earth was observed on five occasions: 2008-Mar-18 18:18 UT, 2008-May-28 20:05 UT, 2008-Jun-4 16:57 UT, 2009-Mar-27 16:19 and 2009-Oct-4 09:37 UT. Each set of observations was conducted over a full 24-hour rotation of Earth and a total of thirteen NIR spectra were taken on two-hour intervals during each observing period. Photometry in the 450, SSO, 650 and 8S0 nm filters was taken every fifteen minutes and every hour for the 350, 750 and 950 nm filters. The spacecraft was located over the equator for the three sets of observations in 2008, while the 2009- Mar and 2009-Oct were taken over the north and south Polar Regions, respectively. Observations of calibrator stars Canopus and Achernar were conducted on multiple occasions through all filters. The observations detected a strong specular glint not necessarily associated with a body of water. We describe spectroscopic characterization of the glint and evidence for the possibility of detection of reflection from high cirrus clouds. We describe implications for observations of extrasolar planets.
Document ID
20100031192
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Barry, R. K.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Deming, L. D.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Robinson, T.
Hewagama, T.
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
September 7, 2010
Subject Category
Earth Resources And Remote Sensing
Meeting Information
Meeting: ExoClimes 2010: Exploring the Diversity of Planetary Atmospheres
Location: Exeter
Country: United Kingdom
Start Date: September 7, 2010
End Date: September 10, 2010
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

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