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The Infrared Moon: Data, Interpretations, and Implications
Author(s) -
Winter Donald F.
Publication year - 1970
Publication title -
radio science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1944-799X
pISSN - 0048-6604
DOI - 10.1029/rs005i002p00229
Subject(s) - infrared , impact crater , eclipse , astrobiology , lunar craters , thermal infrared spectroscopy , geology , scale (ratio) , radiation , surface (topology) , thermal , lunar soil , remote sensing , astronomy , physics , atmospheric sciences , optics , meteorology , geometry , quantum mechanics , mathematics
Measurements of infrared (IR) radiation from the moon are used to estimate the thermophysical properties of the lunar soil and to infer the general nature of small‐scale surface relief. Directional emission characteristics of the illuminated surface are probably associated with small craters of recent origin. On the other hand, abnormal populations of exposed rocks are thought to be responsible for many of the localized thermal enhancements observed during an eclipse. Implications of infrared measurements regarding the evolution of the surface are described.