Introducing planetary photometry as a quantitative remote sensing tool, this handbook demonstrates how reflected light can be measured and used to investigate the physical properties of bodies in our Solar System. The author explains how data gathered from telescopes and spacecraft are processed and used to infer properties such as the size, shape, albedo, and composition of celestial objects including planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. Beginning with an overview of the history and background theory of photometry, later chapters delve into the physical principles behind commonly used photometric models and the mechanics of observation, data reduction, and analysis. Real-world examples, problems, and case studies are included, all at an introductory level suitable for new graduate students, planetary scientists, amateur astronomers and researchers looking for an overview of this field.
- An introductory text on planetary photometry, providing an accessible overview of the field and a foundation for more advanced texts
- Assumes little specific background knowledge, providing readers new to the field with the knowledge and tools they need to use this technique in practice
- Many concepts and equations are derived from first principles, promoting a deeper understanding of the theory of planetary photometry
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Customer reviews

17th Oct 2024 by UName-840234
Concise, thorough, readable introduction to light, human perception of it, how we measure & quantify it, how cameras work, and all the complexities of its interactions with planetary surfaces. Does not shy away from the math, but explains everything in clear language, with helpfully bolded key words and section titles, and well-chosen figures. Highly recommended for anyone beginning (or continuing) the study of planetary imaging.
17th Oct 2024 by UName-1032075
As someone who did her PhD dissertation on photometry, I can't say enough good things about this book! Photometry is a difficult concept to fully grasp, yet the author does an amazing job of explaining concepts in a way that is easier to understand than in other classic radiative transfer textbooks. One of the best parts is that it starts with a complete but concise history into the study of light, how humans perceive and measure it, etc. Definitely add this one to your bookshelf, and/or use to teach your class!
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Product details
- Date Published: April 2017
- format: Hardback
- isbn: 9781107131743
- length: 258 pages
- dimensions: 235 x 155 x 15 mm
- weight: 0.54kg
- contains: 69 b/w illus. 8 tables 40 exercises
- availability: In stock
Table of Contents
Preface
1. A brief history of planetary photometry
2. Photometry conventions, terminology, and standards
3. The mechanics of planetary observing
4. The physical basis of photometric scattering models
5. Planetary reflectance and basic scattering laws
6. Planetary disk-integrated photometry
7. Planetary disk-resolved photometry
References
Index.
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Author
Michael K. Shepard, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Michael K. Shepard is Professor of Geosciences at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, specialising in remote sensing, planetary photometry and asteroid studies. He is the author of the popular science book Asteroids: Relics of Ancient Time (Cambridge, 2015), articles for popular science magazines like Sky and Telescope, and a guest science column for the regional Press Enterprise newspaper. He has previously worked at the National Air and Space Museum, Washington DC and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology.