Engineering topics

Gradie, J. C.

Publications and source records attributed to Gradie, J. C..

7 records

NASA NTRS1988

Analysis of Voyager images of Europa - Plasma bombardment

Voyager-derived data on the albedos of Europa are presently photometrically corrected and converted into average, single-scattering form, in order to analyze them as a function of angular distance from the apex of orbital motion. A hypothesized magnetospheric modification of the Europa surface is confirmed by the UV absorption found in the 0.35-micron filter data; this absorption directly correlates with the longitudinal ion implantation distribution in both terrain types. A 'red' spectrum is found in both terrain types as well, and is found to be constant across the surface. A uniform increase is noted in the 'dark' terrain absorption over that in the 'bright' terrain.

Johnson, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Asteroid amphitrite: Surface composition and prospects for the possible Galileo flyby

Studies of the trajectory of the Galileo mission to Jupiter recently revealed that the spacecraft can pass close to one of the largest asteroids (#29 Amphitrite). NASA has therefore altered the mission plan of the Galileo spacecraft to include a possible close flyby of Amphitrite in early December 1986, if the condition of the spacecraft allows. If this option is actually implemented, Amphitrite will become the only asteroid for which any high-spatial resolution images and reflection spectra will be available. To evaluate the value of this data and place Amphitrite in the context of the more than 600 asteroids for which some compositional information exists. Existing data was reexamined, new telescopic spectra of Amphitrite were obtained, and simulated Galileo data sets were constructed.

Bell, J. F.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Effects of photometric geometry on spectral reflectance measurements

Progress is reported in obtaining valuable results needed for the full interpretation of the spectral reflectance curves of solar system objects. The degree to which photometric geometry affects spectral reflectance curves was demonstrated. Various forms of photometric functions were compared and a function adequate for describing the scattering properties of low and moderately reflecting materials was developed and applied in a study of the phase coefficients of various materials, as well as in a study of how the shape of a body affects the spectral reflectance properties. The adequacy of the photometric function for Mars-like analogs was studied. The goniometer system is being converted to a computer driven mode. As soon as computer controls are integrated in the goniometer, the phase dependence 0.95 micron feature in meteorite spectra is scheduled to begin.

Veverka, J.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Wavelength dependence of polarization. XXXIV - Observations of Venus

Polarimetric observations of linear polarization on Venus are presented. The observations, which cover nine small disk areas as well as the whole disk, were made with seven filters between 0.3 and 1 micron and also with three filters in the range from 1.2 to 2.2 microns. A polarization wavelength dependence is determined which appears to confirm Landau's (1975) discovery of a steep rise in polarization near 3 microns. The dark UV markings on Venus are shown to be regions of more positive UV polarization and are interpreted as a general feature of a gaseous atmosphere in which sulfuric acid droplets are suspended.

Gehrels, T.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Families of minor planets

Physical studies of individual family members show that at least the Themis, Eos, Koronis, Nysa/Hertha, and Budrosa families of minor planets are the result of the breakup of discrete parent bodies. Only a few families have been studied in detail, and even in those few cases, the full force of observational techniques has not been applied. Crucial for the understanding of families and their parent bodies are detailed physical studies of family members; precise mineralogical interpretation of observational data to identify the geochemistry of the parent bodies; and studies of the collisional evolution of family members.

Gradie, J. C.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Taxonomy of asteroids

A taxonomic system for asteroids is discussed which is based on seven directly observable parameters from polarimetry, spectrophotometry, radiometry, and UBV photometry. The classification scheme is entirely empirical and independent of specific mineralogical interpretations. Five broad classes (designated C, S, M, E, and R), as well as an 'unclassifiable' designation, are defined on the basis of observational data for 523 asteroids. Computer-generated type classifications and derived diameters are given for the 523 asteroids, and the application of the classification procedure is illustrated. Of the 523 asteroids classified, 190 are identified as C objects, 141 as S type, 13 as type M, three as type E, three as type R, 55 as unclassifiable, and 118 as ambiguous. The present taxonomic system is compared with several other asteroid classification systems.

Bowell, E.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Radiometric diameter and albedo of the remarkable asteroid 1976AA

It is pointed out that the minor planet 1976AA discovered on January 7, 1976, is the first asteroid found with an orbital period of less than a year. A description is given of a study in which the diameter and the albedo of the asteroid were determined with the aid of infrared radiometry. It is concluded that on the basis of its albedo 1976AA can probably be classed with the stony group of asteroids.

Morrison, D.↗