Statistics – Computation
Scientific paper
Mar 1988
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1988aj.....95..941m&link_type=abstract
Astronomical Journal (ISSN 0004-6256), vol. 95, March 1988, p. 941-947.
Statistics
Computation
25
Albedo, Light Curve, Planetary Rotation, Planetary Surfaces, Pluto (Planet), Polar Caps, Astronomical Models, Computational Astrophysics, Finite Element Method, Fourier Analysis, Lambert Surface, Signal To Noise Ratios, Pluto, Albedo, Models, Surface, Pluto-Charon System, Laboratory Studies, Photoelectric Properties, Lightcurve, Optical Properties, Ice Caps, Earth-Based Observations, Parameters, Technique, Dimming, Calculations, Diagrams, Brightness, Polar Regions
Scientific paper
This paper summarizes the work of Marcialis (1983, 1984). A finite-element approach has been used to generate synthetic light curves of an unevenly bright, rotating sphere. Application to the Pluto-Charon system shows that two circular spots (46° and 28° in radius, both at south latitude 23°, separated by 134° in longitude) with albedos half that of the surrounding terrain can accurately reproduce six available photoelectric light curves between 1953 and 1982. A dark equatorial band (extending from south latitude 69° to anywhere between 50° and 65° north latitude) can be invoked to explain the secular dimming. Constraints on this equatorial band, which may alternatively be viewed as two polar caps, are such that to date its dimensions are not uniquely determined. However, polar caps with albedos near unity serve quite well to explain the 40% dimming of Pluto since its discovery in 1930. Hardie's 1964 photoelectric observations are presented for the first time in tabular form.
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