1. The near-infrared phase curve of the Uranian rings
- Author
-
M. F. Skrutskie, Tom Herbst, and P. D. Nicholson
- Subjects
Physics ,Opposition surge ,Wavelength ,Rings of Uranus ,Space and Planetary Science ,Infrared ,Uranus ,Spectral energy distribution ,Astronomy and Astrophysics ,Astrophysics ,Phase curve ,Spectral line - Abstract
We 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.
- Published
- 1987