Introducing planetary photometry as a quantitative remote sensing tool, this handbook demonstrates how reflected light can be measured and used to investigate the physical properties of bodies in our Solar System. The author explains how data gathered from telescopes and spacecraft are processed and used to infer properties such as the size, shape, albedo, and composition of celestial objects including planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. Beginning with an overview of the history and background theory of photometry, later chapters delve into the physical principles behind commonly used photometric models and the mechanics of observation, data reduction, and analysis. Real-world examples, problems, and case studies are included, all at an introductory level suitable for new graduate students, planetary scientists, amateur astronomers and researchers looking for an overview of this field.

This accessible handbook demonstrates how reflected light can be measured and used to investigate the properties of Solar System objects.

About the Author
Michael K. Shepard is Professor of Geosciences at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, specialising in remote sensing, planetary photometry and asteroid studies. He is the author of the popular science book Asteroids: Relics of Ancient Time (Cambridge, 2015), articles for popular science magazines like Sky and Telescope, and a guest science column for the regional Press Enterprise newspaper. He has previously worked at the National Air and Space Museum, Washington DC and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology.


Book Information
ISBN 9781107131743
Author Michael K. Shepard
Format Hardback
Page Count 258
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 540g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 155mm * 15mm