Sunday 20 March 2016

the moon - Is there a simple, analytical formula for the lunar phase brightness curve?

Brightness of the lunar disk varies as a function of phase angle. This phenomenon is very well established, as is the increase in brightness at low phase angles.



Is there a simple analytical formula that describes this function? It looks like brightness could be modeled as an exponential as a function of phase angle, modulo the opposition surge.



Thanks.



EDIT: I realize that these effects depend on the wavelength of the reflected light. I'm looking for an average curve, though.



Lunar brightness curve, pointing out the opposition surge

No comments:

Post a Comment