Photometry from Voyager 2: Initial Results from the Neptunian Atmosphere, Satellites, and Rings

• Published in: Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 1989-12, Vol.246 (4936), p.1450-1454
• Main Authors: Lane, Arthur L., West, Robert A., Hord, Charles W., Nelson, Robert M., Simmons, Karen E., Pryor, Wayne R., Esposito, Larry W., Horn, Linda J., Wallis, Brad D., Buratti, Bonnie J., Brophy, Thomas G., Yanamandra-Fisher, Padma, Colwell, Joshua E., Bliss, David A., Mayo, Marvin J., Smythe, William D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 640107 - Astrophysics & Cosmology- Planetary Phenomena; ALBEDO; Artificial satellites; Astronomy; ATMOSPHERES; CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS; Clouds; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Geometric shapes; Lunar And Planetary Exploration; Methane; MORPHOLOGY; Neptune; NEPTUNE PLANET; Occultation; Optical thickness; Phase angle; PHOTOMETRY; PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES; Planetary rings; PLANETS; Planets, their satellites and rings. Asteroids; Ring system; RINGS; SATELLITES; Satellites (Astronomical bodies); Solar system; SPACE VEHICLES; Uranus; VEHICLES; Voyager 2; VOYAGER SPACE PROBES
• ISSN: 0036-8075; 1095-9203
• DOI: 10.1126/science.246.4936.1450

The Voyager photopolarimeter successfully accomplished its objectives for the Neptune encounter, performing measurements on the planet, several of its satellites, and its ring system. A photometric map of Neptune at 0.26 micrometer (μm) shows the planet to be bland, with no obvious contrast features. No polar haze was observed. At 0.75 μm, contrast features are observed, with the Great Dark Spot appearing as a low-albedo region and the bright companion as being substantially brighter than its surroundings, implying it to be at a higher altitude than the Great Dark Spot. Triton's linear phase coefficients of 0.011 magnitudes per degree at 0.26 μm and 0.013 magnitudes per degree at 0.75 μm are consistent with a solid-surface object possessing high reflectivity. Preliminary geometric albedos for Triton, Nereid, and 1989N2 were obtained at 0.26 and 0.75 μm. Triton's rotational phase curve shows evidence of two major compositional units on its surface. A single stellar occultation of the Neptune ring system elucidated an internal structure in 1989N1R, in the ∼50-kilometer region of modest optical depth. 1989N2R may have been detected. The deficiency of material in the Neptune ring system, when compared to Uranus', may imply the lack of a ``recent'' moon-shattering event.