Help for PHO_MINNAERT
PURPOSE:
In this PDF, the user is asked for the only parameters needed for the
Minnaerts's photometric function. This function needs just two input parameters
(Albedo, geometric exponent k).
MATHEMATICAL BACKGROUND :
It is found empirically that Minnaert's law approximately describes the
variation of brightness of many surfaces over a limited range of angles.
But the general law breaks down completely at the limb of a planet.
Minnaert (1941) suggested generalizing Lambert's law so that the power emitted
per unit solid angle per unit area of the surface be proportional
(cos(i)*cos(e))**k [ Lambert's power is proportional to (cos(i)*cos(e))**1 ].
bidirectional reflectance [1/str] :
r(i,e,g)=ALBEDO*(cos(i)*cos(e))**EXPONENT/cos(e)
REFERENCE :
M. Minnaert, The reciprocity principle in Lunar photometry,
Astrophysical Journal, Vol. 93, No. 2, p. 403-410, 1941
PROGRAMMER:
Friedel Oschuetz
Institute of Planetary Exploration
DLR
12484 Berlin (FRG)
PARAMETERS:
ALBEDO
Surface albedo
EXPONENT
Minnaert exponent
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