Exploration of the Solar System by Infrared Remote Sensing

This book describes all aspects of the theory, instrumental techniques and observational results of the remote sensing of objects in our solar system through studies of infrared radiation. The theories of radiative transfer, molecular transfer, molecular spectroscopy and atmospheric physics are first combined to show how it is possible to calculate the infrared spectra of model planetary atmospheres. Next the authors describe the instrumental techniques, in order to assess the effect of real instruments on the measurement of the emerging radiation field. Finally, techniques that allow the retrieval of atmospheric and surface parameters from observations are examined. The book has plenty of examples from ground based and space observations. These demonstrate the methods of finding temperatures, gas compositions and certain parameters of the solid surface. All planets and many of their satellites are discussed, with the exception of Pluto. The presentation will appeal to advanced students and professional planetary science researchers, although some chapters are of wider interest. The authors have drawn on their extensive experience at the NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center to produce a definitive account of what can be learned from infrared studies of our planetary system.