View Factor-Based Computation of Secondary Illumination Within Lunar Permanently Shadowed Regions
P. Mahanti, T. J. Thompson, M. S. Robinson, D. C. Humm
Abstract
Permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) at the lunar poles pique scientific interest on account of their cold trapping of volatiles that is highly relevant in the current scope of lunar exploration. Interiors of PSRs are largely unknown due to the challenging illumination conditions. In this letter, we describe a method for synthesizing images at PSRs based on the knowledge of incident solar illumination geometry and local topography that reflects light into PSRs.
Topics & Concepts
ComputationScope (computer science)Solar SystemComputer scienceAstrobiologyGeologyPhysicsAlgorithmProgramming languagePlanetary Science and ExplorationAstro and Planetary ScienceLight effects on plants