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Cruikshank, D. P.

Publications and source records attributed to Cruikshank, D. P..

At least 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1979

The radius and albedo of Hyperion

A measurement of the 20-micron thermal flux from Hyperion is reported, and the radius and surface geometric albedo of this outer satellite of Saturn are computed by the photometric/radiometric method. A corrected and normalized 20-micron thermal flux of 0.033 + or - 0.012 Jy is determined. A radius of 112 + or - 15 km and a surface geometric albedo of 0.47 + or - 0.11 are obtained by assuming values of unity for the phase integral, emissivity, and bolometric/visual geometric-albedo ratio. The sensitivity of the photometric/radiometric method to the assumed values of the parameters involved is discussed, and the results are compared with similar studies of Triton. It is concluded that neither Hyperion nor Triton appears to have a geometric albedo in the lower end of the distribution of small bodies in the solar system.

Cruikshank, D. P.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Physical properties of the satellites of Saturn

The photometric and bulk parameters of the known and suspected satellites of Saturn are presented in updated tables and are compared. The surface compositions of all the satellites are discussed in terms of modern photometry and spectroscopy; most if not all of the inner bodies have water frost surfaces, but the outer three satellites have surfaces of unknown composition. The few reliable mass values of some inner satellites, together with the best current values for the satellite radii, suggest mean densities representative of bulk compositions dominated by frozen volatiles, though Titan may have a substantial volume fraction of silicates. The special case of Iapetus is considered in the light of new studies of its two distinct faces and polar cap.

Cruikshank, D. P.↗
NASA NTRS1978

The nature of Trojan asteroid 624 Hektor

Near-simultaneous visual and thermal IR (20-micron) photometry of the Trojan asteroid 624 Hektor is reported which was performed when the asteroid was observed nearly along its rotation axis. The results confirm and refine the low albedo and large size of this asteroid and confirm the general rotational-pole position and aspect angle predicted by Dunlap and Gehrels (1969). Hektor is found to be a truly extraordinary object in that it is larger and far more irregular in shape than other measured Trojans and far more irregular than other belt asteroids of comparable size. It is proposed that Hektor could be a partially coalesced pair of Trojan asteroids which collided with energy too low to cause complete fragmentation, thus forming a dumbbell-shaped object. A possible scenario is outlined according to which the two pre-Hektor objects were neighboring relatively large primitive spheroidal planetesimals trapped in Jupiter's Lagrangian cloud. Observational and theoretical tests of this model are suggested.

Hartmann, W. K.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Absorption bands in the spectrum of Io

Near-infrared spectra of Io in the region from 2.8 to 4.2 microns are reported which show distinct absorption features, the most notable at 4.1 microns. Frozen volatiles or atmospheric gases cannot account for these absorptions, nor do they resemble those seen in common silicate rocks. Several candidate substances, most notably nitrate and carbonate salts, show absorption features in this spectral region; the deepest band in the spectrum may be a nitrate absorption. The satellite surface is shown to be anhydrous, as indicated by the absence of the 3-micron bound water band.

Cruikshank, D. P.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Search for HD in Jupiter and Saturn

Upper limits are placed on the D/H ratio in the observed portions of the atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn from observations at high S/N over the region of the 5-0 R(1) line of HD. The upper limits of 0.00004 and 0.00006 D/H on Jupiter and Saturn, respectively, are not inconsistent with present models for abundance ratios in the primitive solar nebula or with other estimates of this quantity from observations.

Smith, W. H.↗
NASA NTRS1978

On the rotation period of Neptune

Two plausible values for the rotation period of Neptune have been deduced from photometric light curves at 1.25 and 2.2 microns. They are 0.7572 + or - 0.002 and 0.8160 + or - 0.002 day; additional photometric data will be required to ascertain which period is correct. Evidence is presented for changes in the atmosphere of Neptune with a time scale of several days.

Cruikshank, D. P.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Identification of a new class of satellites in the outer solar system

From near-infrared photometry (JHKL) of small bodies in the outer solar system a previously unrecognized class of planetary satellites is identified which may have surfaces mostly free of frosts of water, methane, or ammonia. These bodies - including two satellites of Uranus (Titania and Oberon), and one each of Saturn (Hyperion) and Neptune (Triton) - have surfaces characterized by neutral reflectance between J and H (1.25 and 1.60 microns) and rapidly decreasing reflectance at K (2.2 microns) and L (3.5 microns). It is pointed out that the 15 solid bodies in the outer solar system that have been satisfactorily observed (excluding the asteroids) fall into six classes according to spectral reflectance. The presence of water frost or ice on the surface of Enceladus is established.

Cruikshank, D. P.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Evidence for weather on Neptune. I

Between April 1975 and March 1976 the reflectance of Neptune between 1 and 4 microns increased substantially. A spectrum taken at these wavelengths near the period of peak observed brightness showed a low-intensity continuum with weak superposed absorptions caused by CH4 and H2. Photographic spectra of the planet measured during the same period showed no differences from older published data. The gas abundances derived from the infrared spectrum, 5 plus or minus 2 km-amagat of H2 at a base density of 0.26 plus or minus 0.08 am and no more than about 1 m-am of CH4, appear to refer to an effective reflecting level high in the atmosphere of Neptune.

Joyce, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Radii and albedos of four Trojan asteroids and Jovian satellites 6 and 7

Results are reported for radiometric measurements of broadband 20-micron fluxes from the Trojan asteroids 617 Patroclus, 624 Hektor (for which the broadband 10-micron flux was also measured), 1172 Aeneas, and 1173 Anchises as well as from the outer Jovian satellites Himalia (J6) and Elara (J7). Geometric albedos and radii for the six objects are derived from the corrected monochromatic fluxes and visual magnitudes. It is found that all the objects have exceedingly low geometric albedos, indicating that the Trojans and possibly the outer Jovian satellites constitute a distinct class of small solar-system bodies. The composition of the Trojan asteroids is considered on the basis of available sizes, albedos, and shapes. Revised tables of the albedos and radii of all the Jovian satellites are presented. It is concluded that the Trojans are not composed primarily of ice and that an asteroidal origin for the comets of the Jupiter group is unlikely.

Cruikshank, D. P.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Pluto - Evidence for methane frost

Results are presented for infrared photometry of Pluto in the wavelength range from 1.2 to 2.2 microns, which includes the diagnostic absorption bands of water and methane frosts (designated as H1 and H2, respectively). Based on Pluto's observed J-H color and H1/H2 reflectance ratio as well as restrictions imposed by other observational and theoretical studies, it is concluded that methane frost is probably the dominant reflecting material on the planet's surface. It is suggested that this frost may be mixed with other materials, and some variation of the frost cover is indicated. Two plausible sources for the methane on Pluto are discussed, the average geometric albedo of the planet is assumed to be 0.4, and its diameter is estimated to be 3300 km.

Cruikshank, D. P.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The rotation and morphology of small red spots on Jupiter in 1974

The paper presents observations of the morphology and rotation periods of four long-lived red spots in the equatorial region of Jupiter seen in 1974. Three of the spots were very small (less than 1 arcsec in diameter), but show on the best photographs obtained at the Mauna Kea Observatory station of the NASA-Lowell Planetary Patrol. The spots are not greatly distinguished from other Jovian features on the basis of their rotation or longitudinal drift. Their distinct red color is the main point of interest in light of current ideas as to the origin and nature of the Great Red Spot.

Crump, P. C.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Surface compositions of the satellites of Saturn from infrared photometry

JHKL photometry (1.2-3.5 microns) of Rhea, Dione, Tethys, and the high-albedo side of Iapetus reveals broadband spectral signatures essentially identical to those of the water-ice-covered surfaces of Ganymede and the rings of Saturn, although significantly different from either the surface of Europa or laboratory measurements of pure water ice. The dark side of Iapetus has more neutral infrared colors, indicative of a nonicy surface.

Morrison, D.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Pressure-induced absorption by H2 in the atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn

Observations of the S(1) line of the pressure-induced fundamental band of H2 in the spectra of Saturn and Jupiter are analyzed by comparing the observed line shape with predictions of both a reflecting-layer model and a homogeneous-scattering model of the atmospheres. Upper and lower limits are derived for the values of relative intensity that occur between 5000 and 5100 kaysers, the percent absorption due to H2 at 5100 kaysers is estimated, and it is established that methane and ammonia cannot account for the broad absorption attributed to hydrogen. The comparison with the model atmospheres shows that the reflecting-layer model appears to give the best fit to the Saturn line profile for temperatures near 150 K, while both models provide good fits to the Jupiter data, but for widely differing temperatures. Difficulties encountered in determining the true continuum level, especially for Jupiter, are discussed.

Martin, T. Z.↗
NASA NTRS1976

A kinematographic study of the tail of comet Kohoutek (1973f)

Observations of comet Kohoutek made in the Southwest U.S., Alaska and Hawaii were combined to produce a movie of the cometary tail. Plasma tail motions seen in the movie are described. Features of the plasma tail discussed include: tail rays; wave trains; and condensations and kinks.

Jockers, K.↗
NASA NTRS1975

The two faces of Iapetus

Radiometric and photometric observations of Iapetus are described, and a model is developed for the albedo distribution consistent with the visual light curves, color variations, and radiometric flux curve. The 20-micron infrared observations show that the radiometric variation differs by about 180 deg in phase from the visual light curve and has a peak-to-peak amplitude of about a factor of two, while the linear phase coefficient of the light curve varies, as the satellite rotates, from 0.028 to 0.068 mag/deg. Determination of the albedo distribution is described, and it is found to be characterized by a dark area covering most of the leading hemisphere, a bright trailing hemisphere, and a bright south polar cap. The radius is approximated as 800 to 850 km, and the mean geometric albedos for the light and dark faces are estimated as 0.35 and 0.07, respectively.

Morrison, D.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Photography of comets 1973f /Kohoutek/ and 1974b /Bradfield/ at Mauna Kea Observatory

Photographs of the comets Kohoutek and Bradfield were made at Mauna Kea Observatory in Hawaii in late 1973 and early 1974 using spectroscopic plates, black-and-white film, and color film. Examples of some photographs are reproduced. A catalog of all the photographs is given, showing the time and length of exposure, the comet-Earth distance, and the comet-Sun distance.

Crump, P. C.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Six-color photometry of Iapetus, Titan, Rhea, Dione and Tethys

Six-color photometric observations made during Saturn's 1972/73 opposition enable us to separate the solar phase and orbital phase contributions to the observed light variations of Iapetus, Titan, Rhea, Dione and Tethys. Titan shows no orbital variations, but has phase coefficients which range from negligible values in the infrared to 0.014 mag/deg in the ultraviolet. Rhea has a bright leading side, a light curve amplitude of about 0.2 mag, and surprisingly large phase coefficients. Combined with other available information, the observations suggest a very porous, texturally complex surface layer. Dione has a leading side which is a few tenths of a magnitude brighter than the trailing side, but the light curve amplitude has little wavelength dependence and the phase coefficients are significantly smaller than those of Rhea, suggesting a less intricate surface texture. The leading side of Tethys is probably a few tenths of a magnitude brighter than the trailing side. Our Iapetus observations generally supplement the earlier work by Millis.

Noland, M.↗