Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Nov 1977
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1977apj...217.1006c&link_type=abstract
Astrophysical Journal, Part 1, vol. 217, Nov. 1, 1977, p. 1006-1010.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
8
Astronomical Photometry, Gas Giant Planets, Natural Satellites, Oberon, Planetary Composition, Solar System, Abundance, Albedo, Near Infrared Radiation, Planetary Surfaces, Spectral Reflectance, Titania
Scientific paper
From near-infrared photometry (JHKL) of small bodies in the outer solar system a previously unrecognized class of planetary satellites is identified which may have surfaces mostly free of frosts of water, methane, or ammonia. These bodies - including two satellites of Uranus (Titania and Oberon), and one each of Saturn (Hyperion) and Neptune (Triton) - have surfaces characterized by neutral reflectance between J and H (1.25 and 1.60 microns) and rapidly decreasing reflectance at K (2.2 microns) and L (3.5 microns). It is pointed out that the 15 solid bodies in the outer solar system that have been satisfactorily observed (excluding the asteroids) fall into six classes according to spectral reflectance. The presence of water frost or ice on the surface of Enceladus is established.
Cruikshank Dale P.
Morrison Douglas
Pilcher Carl B.
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