A three parameter analytic phase function for multiple scattering calculations

Abstract

A simple procedure was developed to fit the first three moments of an actual phase function with a three parameter analytic phase function. The exact Legendre Polynomial decomposition of this function is, suitable for multiple scattering calculations. The use of this function is expected to yield excellent flux values at all depths within a medium. Since it is capable of reproducing the glory, it can be used in synthetic spectra computations from planetary atmospheres. Accurate asymptotic radiance values can also be achieved as long as the single scattering albedo omega sub 0 is greater than or equal to 0.9.