The near-infrared phase curve of the Uranian rings

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

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Near Infrared Radiation, Planetary Surfaces, Solar Position, Spectral Energy Distribution, Stellar Occultation, Uranus Rings, Astronomical Models, Solar Planetary Interactions, Solar Radiation, Surface Properties, Uranus, Rings, Near Infrared, Wavelengths, Models, Shadows, Structure, Brightness, Optical Properties, Thickness, Surface, Mass, Density, Dynamics, Particles, Earth-Based Observations, Telescope Methods, Magnitude, Calculations

Scientific paper

The authors performed K-band observations of the Uranian rings during the 1985 opposition in order to determine if a measurable opposition effect occurs. The investigation, carried out over a period of several months and over a range of 0.021° to 2.5° in solar phase angle, revealed an opposition surge of approximately 0.2 mag. This result is interpreted in terms of two simple models: mutual shadowing and surface microstructure. If entirely due to interparticle shadowing, the brightening implies a ring thickness inconsistent with surface mass densities derived from dynamical considerations. If the surge results from surface effects, the ring particles have dark surfaces with a porosity comparable to that of terrestrial snow.

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