Lunar equatorial surface temperatures and regolith properties from the Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment

Details Lunar equatorial surface temperatures and regolith properties from the Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment Lunar equatorial surface temperatures and regolith properties from the Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment

Apr 2012

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2012jgre..11700h18v&link_type=abstract

Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 117, CiteID E00H18

Mathematics

Logic

Physical Properties Of Rocks: Thermal Properties, Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Surface Materials And Properties, Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets: Instruments And Techniques, Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Moon (1221)

Scientific paper

The Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment onboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has measured solar reflectance and mid-infrared radiance globally, over four diurnal cycles, at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. These data are used to infer the radiative and bulk thermophysical properties of the near-surface regolith layer at all longitudes around the equator. Normal albedos are estimated from solar reflectance measurements. Normal spectral emissivities relative to the 8-μm Christiansen Feature are computed from brightness temperatures and used along with albedos as inputs to a numerical thermal model. Model fits to daytime temperatures require that the albedo increase with solar incidence angle. Measured nighttime cooling is remarkably similar across longitude and major geologic units, consistent with the scarcity of rock exposures and with the widespread presence of a near-surface layer whose physical structure and thermal response are determined by pulverization through micrometeoroid impacts. Nighttime temperatures are best fit using a graded regolith model, with a ∼40% increase in bulk density and an eightfold increase in thermal conductivity (adjusted for temperature) occurring within several centimeters of the surface.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Lunar equatorial surface temperatures and regolith properties from the Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Lunar equatorial surface temperatures and regolith properties from the Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Lunar equatorial surface temperatures and regolith properties from the Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1118915