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Directionality of the Martian Surface Radiation and Derivation of the Upward Albedo Radiation
Author(s) -
Guo Jingnan,
Khaksarighiri Salman,
WimmerSchweingruber Robert F.,
Hassler Donald M.,
Ehresmann Bent,
Zeitlin Cary,
Löffler Sven,
Matthiä Daniel,
Berger Thomas,
Reitz Günther,
Calef Fred
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2021gl093912
Subject(s) - martian surface , albedo (alchemy) , mars exploration program , terrain , radiation , environmental science , martian , mars landing , tharsis , zenith , butte , remote sensing , geology , astrobiology , atmospheric sciences , physics , optics , exploration of mars , geography , geomorphology , art , art history , cartography , performance art
Since 2012 August, the Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) on the Curiosity rover has been characterizing the Martian surface radiation field which is essential in preparation for future crewed Mars missions. RAD observed radiation dose is influenced by variable topographical features as the rover traverses through the terrain. In particular, while Curiosity was parked near a butte in the Murray Buttes area, we find a decrease of the dose rate by (5 ± 1)% as 19% of the sky was obstructed, versus 10% in an average reference period. Combining a zenith‐angle‐dependent radiation model and the rover panoramic visibility map leads to a predicted reduction of the downward dose by ∼ 12% due to the obstruction, larger than the observed decrease. With the hypothesis that this difference is attributable to albedo radiation coming from the butte, we estimate the (flat‐terrain) albedo radiation to be about 19% of the total surface dose.