Optical polarimetry of planet mercury

Polarimetric measurements were collected at different areas of the surface of Mercury, and for the whole disk in six wavelengths. The curves of polarization are compared with telescopic observations of the Moon and laboratory studies of minerals and returned lunar samples. The negative branch of polarization proves that Mercury's surface is almost everywhere covered by a regolith layer of fines of the lunar type, also made of dark and adsorbing material, and most probably of the same impact generated origin. The polarization maximum of Mercury is reproduced by lunar samples of fines of intermediate albedo corresponding to the lightest regolith found in the Apollo explored maria.The albedo of Mercury at phase angle 5° deduced from telescopic photometry is to be corrected by a factor of 1.20 and the best “polarimetric” values of albedos are 0.130 at λ = 0.585μm, 0.119 at λ = 0.520 μm, 0.093 at λ = 0.379μm and 0.087 at λ = 0.354μm. The contrast between light and dark-lined regions at the surface of Mercury is most probably much fainter than between the maria and continents on the Moon.The molecular atmosphere of Mercury, if any, has a surface pressure probably smaller than 2 × 10^?4 bars.     

Properties of the Hermean regolith: V. New optical reflectance spectra, comparison with lunar anorthosites, and mineralogical modelling

We present new optical (0.4-0.65 μm) spectra of Mercury and lunar pure anorthosite locations, obtained quasi-simultaneously with the Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT) in 2002. A comparative study is performed with the model of Lucey et al. (2000, J. Geophys. Res. 105, 20297-20305, and references therein) between iron-poor, mature, pure anorthosite (>90% plagioclase feldspar) Clementine spectra from the lunar farside and a combined 0.4-1.0 μm mercurian spectrum, obtained with the NOT, calculated for standard photometric geometry. Mercury is located at more extreme locations in the Lucey ratio-reflectance diagrams than any known lunar soil, specifically with respect to the extremely iron-poor mature anorthosites. Though quantitative prediction of FeO and TiO₂ abundances cannot be made without a more generally applicable model, we find qualitatively that the abundances of both these oxides must be near zero for Mercury. We utilize the theory of Hapke (2002, Icarus 157, 523-534, and references therein), with realistic photometric parameters, to model laboratory spectra of matured mineral powders and lunar soils, and remotely sensed spectra of lunar anorthosites and Mercury. An important difference between fabricated and natural powders is the high value for the internal scattering parameter necessary to interpret the spectra for the former, and the requirement of rough and non-isotropically scattering surfaces in the modelling of the latter. The mature lunar anorthosite spectra were well modelled with binary mixtures of calcic feldspars and olivines, grain sizes of 25-30 μm and a concentration of submicroscopic metallic iron (SMFe) of 0.12-0.15% in grain coatings. The mercurian spectrum is not possible to interpret from terrestrial mineral powder spectra without introducing an average particle scattering function for the bulk soil that increases in backscattering efficiency with wavelength. The observed spectrum is somewhat better predicted with binary mixture models of feldspars and pyroxenes, than with single-component regoliths consisting of either albite or diopside. Correct spectral reflectance values were predicted with a concentration of 0.1 wt% SMFe in coatings of 15-30 μm sized grains. Since reasonable cosmogonical formation scenarios for Mercury, or meteoritic infall, predict iron concentrations at least this high, we draw the conclusion that the average grain size of Mercury is about a factor of two smaller than for average returned lunar soil samples. The 0.6-2.5 μm spectrum of McCord and Clark (1979, J. Geophys. Res. 178, 745-747) is used to further limit the possible range of mineralogical composition of Mercury. It is found that an intimately mixed and matured 3:1 labradorite-to-enstatite regolith composition best matches both the optical and near-infrared spectra, yielding an abundance of ∼1.2 wt% FeO and ∼0 wt% TiO₂.     

Optical measurements of the Moon as a tool to study its surface

This survey is a general overview of modern optical studies of the Moon and their diagnostic meaning. It includes three united parts: phase photometry, spectrophotometry, and polarimetry. The first one is devoted to the progress in the photometry of the Moon, which includes absolute albedo determination to refine the albedo scale (e.g., to connect lunar observations and the data of lunar sample measurements) and mapping the parameters of a lunar photometric function (e.g., the phase-angle ratios method) with the aim of making qualitative estimates of regolith structure variations. This part also includes observations of the lunar opposition effect as well as photogrammetry and photoclinometry techniques. In particular, available data show that because of the low albedo of the lunar surface, the coherent backscattering enhancement hardly influences the lunar opposition spike, with the exception of the brightest lunar areas measured in the NIR. The second part is devoted to chemical/mineral mapping of the Moon's surface using spectrophotometric measurements. This section also includes analyses related to the detection of water ice or hydroxyl, prognoses of maturity, and helium-3 abundance mapping. In particular, we examine the relationship between superficial OH/H₂O compounds spectrally detected recently and bulk “water ice” found earlier by the Lunar Prospector GRS and LRO LEND, assuming that the compounds are delivered to cold traps (permanently shadowed regions) with electrostatically levitated dust saturated by solar wind hydrogen. Significant problems arise with the determination of TiO₂ content, as the correlation between this parameter and the color ratio C(750/415 nm) is very non-linear and not universal for different composition types of the lunar surface; a promising way to resolve this problem is to use color ratios in the UV spectral range. The third part is devoted to mapping of polarization parameters of the lunar surface, which enable estimates of the average size of regolith particles and their optical inhomogeneity. This includes considerations of the Umov effect and results of spectropolarimetry, negative polarization imagery, and measurements of other polarimetric parameters, including the third Stokes parameter. Although these three research divisions have not been developed equally and the numbers of proper references are very different, we try to keep a balance between them, depicting a uniform picture. It should be emphasized that many results presented in this review can be applied to other atmosphereless celestial bodies as well.     

Voyager disk resolved photometry of the Saturnian satellites

Photometric analysis of Voyager images of the medium-sized icy satellites of Saturn shows that their surfaces exhibit a wide range of scattering properties. At low phase angles, Rhea and Dione closely follow lunar behavior with almost no limb darkening. Mimas, Tethys, and especially Enceladus shiw significant limb darkening at low phase angles, which suggests multiple scattering is important for their surfaces. A simple photometric function of the form I/F = f(α)Aμ₀/(μ + μ₀) + (1 ? A)μ₀ has been fit to the observations. For normal reflectances <0.6, we find lunar-like scattering properties (A = 1). No satellite's surface can be described by Lambert's Law (A = 0). Dione exhibits the widest albedo variations (about 50%). A longitudinal dark stripe which represents a 15% decrease in albedo is situated near the center of the trailing side of Tethys. A correlation is found between the albedo and color of the satellites: the darker objects are redder. Similarly, darker areas of each satellite are redder. Spectral reflectances of Mimas and Enceladus can be derived for the first time. After the proper calibrations to the Voyager color images are made, it is found that both satellites have remarkably flat spectra into the ultraviolet.     

The spectrum of comet C/2009 R1 (McNaught) in 4140–5240 Å wavelength region

The spectroscopic observations of comet C/2009 R1 (McNaught) were carried out with the 2 m Zeiss-RCC Telescope of Pik Terskol Observatory operated by the International Center for Astronomical and Medico-Ecological Research (Ukraine, Russia). The Multi Mode Cassegrain spectrometer was used to obtain spectra of moderate spectral resolving power with a wavelength coverage from 4140 to 5240 Å. The spectrum is characterized by the extremely low continuum level and strong molecular features. 192 emission lines of C₂, CN, CH, NH₂, CO⁺, and CH⁺ have been identified by the comparison of the observed and theoretical spectra of the molecules. The ratios of the gas production rates of Q(C₂)/Q(CN)=1.32, Q(CH)/Q(CN)=0.49, and Q(NH₂)/Q(CN)=0.81 were derived using a Haser model.     

Aperture Polarimetry And Photometry Of Comet Hale-Bopp

We present results of polarimetric and photometric observations of bright comet C/1995 O1 (Hale-Bopp) obtained at the 0.7 m telescope of Kharkov University Observatory from June 18, 1996 to April 24, 1997. The IHW and HB comet filters were used. The C₂ and C₃ production rates for Hale-Bopp are more than one order of magnitude larger and the dust production rates are more than two orders of magnitude larger than the Halley ones at comparable distances. Hence, Hale-Bopp was one of the most dusty comets. The average UC-BC and BC-RC colours of the dust were −0.02 and 0.13 mag, respectively. The polarization of comet Hale-Bopp at small phase angles of 4.8–13.0° was in good agreement with the date for comet P1/Halley at the same phase angles in spite of the fact that the heliocentric distances of comments differed nearly twice. However, at intermediate phase angles of 34–49° the polarization of comet Hale-Bopp was significantly larger than the polarization of the other dusty comets. It is the first case of such a large difference found in the continuum polarization of comets. The wavelength dependence of polarization for Hale-Bopp was steeper than for other dusty comets. The observed degree of polarization for the anti-sunward side of the coma was permanently higher than that for the sunward shell side. The polarization phase dependence of Hale-Bopp is discussed and compared with the polarization curves for other dusty comets. The peculiar polarimetric properties of comet Hale-Bopp are most likely caused by an over-abundance of small or/and absorbing dust particles in the coma. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Distribution of the spectropolarimetric parameter of the moon in the northern part of Ocean Procellarum for a large phase angle

Polarimetric observations of the moon have been carried out at λ_eff = 0.48 and 0.63 μm using the 50 cm telescope of the Maidanak (Middle Asia) observatory. Imaging has been performed using a Canon-350D camera with a CMOS array and rotating polaroid. The investigation covered the north-western part of the lunar disk comprising the northern part of Ocean Procellarum and obtained the images representing the albedo, polarization degree, color index, and polarimetric color ratio at a phase angle of 96°. It is the first time that the latter parameter has been imaged with a resolution of approximately 1 km. Its pattern has proved to resemble that of the color index, although some important differences can be seen. This shows that spectropolarimetric observations of the moon can give new information on the composition and optical properties of the lunar regolith.     

Polarimetric mapping of the Moon at a phase angle near the polarization minimum

At small phase angles the light scattered by the Moon reveals a negative polarization branch whose average amplitude is 1%. We present results of polarimetric mappings of the Moon in Pmin at a phase angle near 11°. The observations were carried out with the Kharkov 50-cm telescope at the Maidanak Observatory (Middle Asia) using a polarizing filter. A thorough calibration of the camera array allows for the reliable detection of significant variations of |Pmin| over the lunar surface, from 0.2 to 1.6%, at a wavelength of 0.52 μm. The smallest |Pmin| are characteristic of young bright craters, while the |Pmin| are the highest for the lunar highland and bright mare areas. The horse-shoe shape of the correlation dependence Pmin (albedo) is treated with data of our laboratory measurements of powdered surfaces and computer modeling of light scattering by small particles with the DDA (discrete dipole approximation) technique.     

Polarimetry of Centaurs (2060) Chiron, (5145) Pholus and (10199) Chariklo

Results of the first polarimetric observations of Centaurs (5145) Pholus and (10199) Chariklo, and new observations of (2060) Chiron are presented together with the estimates of their absolute magnitudes. Observations were carried out at the 8 m ESO Very Large Telescope in 2007-2008. They revealed noticeable negative polarization in the phase-angle range 0.5-4.4° with a minimum varying from −1% to −2.1% in the R band. All three objects show diverse polarization phase-angle behaviour, each distinctly different from that of transneptunian objects. We found evidence of surface heterogeneity for Chariklo while Chiron and Pholus appear to have rather homogeneous surfaces. Polarization phase behaviours of Chiron and Pholus are significantly different from any other Solar System bodies studied so far. A shift of negative polarization minima toward small phase angles seems to be a characteristic feature of polarization properties of Centaurs. Presence of a small amount of water frost on a dark surface is considered as one of the possible ways to explain these properties.     

Quantitative estimation of helium-3 spatial distribution in the lunar regolith layer

³He (helium-3) in the lunar regolith implanted by the solar wind is one of the most valuable resources because of its potential as a fusion fuel. The abundance of ³He in the lunar regolith is related to solar wind flux, lunar surface maturity and TiO₂ content, etc. A model of solar wind flux, which takes account of variations due to shielding of the nearside when the Moon is in the Earth's magnetotail, is used to present a global distribution of relative solar wind flux over the lunar surface. Using Clementine UV/VIS multispectral data, the global distribution of lunar surface optical maturity (OMAT) and the TiO₂ content in the lunar regolith are calculated. Based on Apollo regolith samples, a linear relation between ³He abundance and normalized solar wind flux, optical maturity, and TiO₂ content is presented. To simulate the brightness temperature of the lunar surface, which is the mission of the Chinese Chang-E project's multichannel radiometers, a global distribution of regolith layer thickness is first empirically constructed from lunar digital elevation mapping (DEM). Then an inversion approach is presented to retrieve the global regolith layer thickness. It finally yields the total amount of ³He per unit area in the lunar regolith layer, which is related to the regolith layer thickness, solar wind flux, optical maturity and TiO₂ content, etc. The global inventory of ³He is estimated as 6.50×¹⁰⁸ kg, where 3.72×¹⁰⁸ kg is for the lunar nearside and 2.78×¹⁰⁸ kg is for the lunar farside.     

The negative polarization parameters of the light scattered by the lunar surface: Mapping

The images of the southwestern part of the lunar disk showing the distributions of the negative polarization parameters of the light scattered by the lunar surface are presented. The distributions of the negative polarization minimum P _min, the inversion angle α_inv, and the polarization slope at the inversion point h significantly differ from the albedo image. This testifies to the fact that polarimetry yields independent information on the structure and optical properties of the lunar regolith.     

Regolith properties in the south polar region of the Moon from 70-cm radar polarimetry

The south polar region of the Moon contains areas permanently shadowed from solar illumination, which may provide cold traps for volatiles such as water ice. Previous radar studies have emphasized the search for diagnostic polarization signatures of thick ice in areas close to the pole, but near-surface regolith properties and regional geology are also important to upcoming orbital studies of the shadowed terrain. To study regional regolith variations, we collected 70-cm wavelength, 450-m resolution, dual-circular polarization radar data for latitudes 60-90° S using the Arecibo and Greenbank telescopes. The circular polarization ratio, μc, is sensitive to differences in rock abundance at the surface and up to tens of m below the surface, depending upon the regolith loss tangent. We observe significant variations in μc, attributed to changes in the surface and subsurface rock population, across the south polar highlands. Concentric haloes of low polarization ratio surrounding Hausen, Moretus, and other young craters represent rock-poor ejecta layers. Values of μc up to ∼1 occur in the floors and near-rim deposits of Eratosthenian and Copernican craters, consistent with abundant rocky ejecta and/or fractured impact melt. Enhanced μc values also correspond to areas mapped as Orientale-derived, plains-forming material [Wilhelms, D.E., Howard, K.A., Wilshire, H.G., 1979. USGS Map I-1162], and similar polarization properties characterize the permanently shadowed floors of craters Faustini and Shoemaker. Small areas of very high (>1.5) circular polarization ratio occur on shadowed and seasonally sunlit terrain, and appear to be associated with small craters. We suggest that regolith in low-lying areas near the south pole is characterized by a significant impact melt component from Orientale, which provides a source for excavation of the block-rich ejecta around small craters observed in this and earlier radar studies. The lower portion of the interior wall of Shackleton crater, permanently shadowed from the sun but visible from Earth, is not significantly different in 70-cm scattering properties from diurnally/seasonally sunlit areas of craters with similar morphology.     

The petrology,geochemistry, and age of lunar regolith breccias Miller Range 090036 and 090070: Insights into the crustal history of the Moon

Meteorites ejected from the surface of the Moon as a result of impact events are an important source of lunar material in addition to Apollo and Luna samples. Here, we report bulk element composition, mineral chemistry, age, and petrography of Miller Range (MIL) 090036 and 090070 lunar meteorites. MIL 090036 and 090070 are both anorthositic regolith breccias consisting of mineral fragments and lithic clasts in a glassy matrix. They are not paired and represent sampling of two distinct regions of the lunar crust that have protoliths similar to ferroan anorthosites. ⁴⁰Ar‐³⁹Ar chronology performed on two subsplits of MIL 090070,33 (a pale clast impact melt and a dark glassy melt component) shows that the sample underwent two main degassing events, one at ~3.88 Ga and another at ~3.65 Ga. The cosmic ray exposure data obtained from MIL 090070 are consistent with a short (~8–9 Ma) exposure close to the lunar surface. Bulk‐rock FeO, TiO₂, and Th concentrations in both samples were compared with 2‐degree Lunar Prospector Gamma Ray Spectrometer (LP‐GRS) data sets to determine areas of the lunar surface where the regolith matches the abundances observed on the sample. We find that MIL 090036 bulk rock is compositionally most similar to regolith surrounding the Procellarum KREEP Terrane, whereas MIL 090070 best matches regolith in the feldspathic highlands terrane on the lunar farside. Our results suggest that some areas of the lunar farside crust are composed of ferroan anorthosite, and that the samples shed light on the evolution and impact bombardment history of the ancient lunar highlands.     

Titan’s aerosol and stratospheric ice opacities between 18 and 500 μm: Vertical and spectral characteristics from Cassini CIRS

Vertical distributions and spectral characteristics of Titan’s photochemical aerosol and stratospheric ices are determined between 20 and 560 cm^?1 (500–18 μm) from the Cassini Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS). Results are obtained for latitudes of 15°N, 15°S, and 58°S, where accurate temperature profiles can be independently determined.In addition, estimates of aerosol and ice abundances at 62°N relative to those at 15°S are derived. Aerosol abundances are comparable at the two latitudes, but stratospheric ices are ～3 times more abundant at 62°N than at 15°S. Generally, nitrile ice clouds (probably HCN and HC₃N), as inferred from a composite emission feature at ～160 cm^?1, appear to be located over a narrow altitude range in the stratosphere centered at ～90 km. Although most abundant at high northern latitudes, these nitrile ice clouds extend down through low latitudes and into mid southern latitudes, at least as far as 58°S.There is some evidence of a second ice cloud layer at ～60 km altitude at 58°S associated with an emission feature at ～80 cm^?1. We speculate that the identify of this cloud may be due to C₂H₆ ice, which in the vapor phase is the most abundant hydrocarbon (next to CH₄) in the stratosphere of Titan.Unlike the highly restricted range of altitudes (50–100 km) associated with organic condensate clouds, Titan’s photochemical aerosol appears to be well-mixed from the surface to the top of the stratosphere near an altitude of 300 km, and the spectral shape does not appear to change between 15°N and 58°S latitude. The ratio of aerosol-to-gas scale heights range from 1.3–2.4 at about 160 km to 1.1–1.4 at 300 km, although there is considerable variability with latitude. The aerosol exhibits a very broad emission feature peaking at ～140 cm^?1. Due to its extreme breadth and low wavenumber, we speculate that this feature may be caused by low-energy vibrations of two-dimensional lattice structures of large molecules. Examples of such molecules include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitrogenated aromatics.Finally, volume extinction coefficients Nχ_E derived from 15°S CIRS data at a wavelength of λ = 62.5 μm are compared with those derived from the 10°S Huygens Descent Imager/Spectral Radiometer (DISR) data at 1.583 μm. This comparison yields volume extinction coefficient ratios Nχ_E(1.583 μm)/Nχ_E(62.5 μm) of roughly 70 and 20, respectively, for Titan’s aerosol and stratospheric ices. The inferred particle cross-section ratios χ_E(1.583 μm)/χ_E(62.5 μm) appear to be consistent with sub-micron size aerosol particles, and effective radii of only a few microns for stratospheric ice cloud particles.     

CCD imaging polarimetry of Comet 2P/Encke

We present results and analysis of imaging polarimetric observations of Comet 2P/Encke. The observations were carried out at the 2-m RCC telescope of the Bulgarian National Astronomical Observatory on December 13, 1993 and on January 14, 1994, at phase angles 51.1° and 80.5°, respectively. A wide-band red filter 6940/790 Å was used. This filter is transparent for the continuum and the weak emission bands of NH₂ and H₂O⁺. There is a sunward dust fan with well-defined polarization, which peaks at≈13% in the image obtained on January 14, 1994. Along the sunward fan the degree of polarization decreases progressively. Outside of the fan the coma displays a low polarization of ≈3%. We suggest that this low polarization is caused by the NH₂ emission in the pass-band of the red wide-band filter. Assuming a spherically symmetric NH₂ coma we are able to correct the observed polarization for this effect. The correction leads to an increase of the observed polarization by 1 to 4% at distances 10,000 and 1500 km from the nucleus. A rough estimate shows that the polarization in the near nucleus region of Comet Encke is similar to that for the dusty comets. Even after correction the polarization of Comet Encke's dust fan is significantly less that the polarization observed in dusty comets. The reasons influencing the distribution of dust polarization in the coma are discussed. More polarimetric and colorimetric observations of the dust in Comet Encke on its return in 2003 are needed.     

Properties and Peculiarities of Mercury's Regolith. Disk-integrated Polarimetry in 2000–2002

On the basis of the data from ground-based polarimetric, photometric, and other observations, as well as from space measurements (Mariner 10), we survey the investigations of the properties and peculiarities of Mercury's regolith in detail. We also present the results of our own observations performed during three apparitions of the planet in 2000–2002. An analysis of the published data points to essentially more intensive maturation processes in the Hermean surface regolith compared to that on the lunar surface. In addition, the orbital characteristics of Mercury allow us to suppose that the intensity of its regolith maturation and, therefore, the optical properties of its surface can noticeably depend on the planetocentric longitude. Polarimetric observations of Mercury's surface (the planetocentric longitude range was 265°–330°) carried out in 2000–2002 with a 70-cm reflector actually detected a polarization degree varying with an amplitude of about 1.5%. To ascertain the nature of these variations, additional observations of Mercury in a maximally wide range of planetocentric longitudes of the viewed surface are required.     

Water production and release in Comet 153P/Ikeya-Zhang (C/2002 C1): accurate rotational temperature retrievals from hot-band lines near 2.9-μm

Multiple non-resonance fluorescence lines of water (H₂O) were detected in Comet 153/P Ikeya-Zhang (2002 C1) between UT 2002 March 21.9 (R_h=0.51 AU) and April 13.9 (R_h=0.78 AU), using the Cryogenic Echelle Spectrometer (CSHELL) at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility. Analysis of 2.9-μm water lines enabled accurate determination of rotational temperatures on three dates. The derived H₂O rotational temperatures were 138⁺⁶₋₅, 141⁺¹⁰₋₉, and 94±3 K on UT 2002 March 22.0, March 23.0, and April 13.8, respectively. Water production rates were retrieved from spectral lines measured in nineteen separate grating settings over seven observing periods. The derived heliocentric dependence of the water production rate was Q=(9.2±1.1)×10²⁸[R_h^{(−3.21±0.26)}] molecules s⁻¹. The spatial distribution of H₂O in the coma was consistent with its release directly from the nucleus (as a native source) on all dates.     

The Opposition Effect and Negative Polarization of Structural Analogs for Planetary Regoliths

To better understand the negative polarization and brightness opposition effects observed on airless celestial bodies, we carried out simultaneous photometric and polarimetric measurements of laboratory samples that simulate the structure of planetary regoliths. Computer modeling of shadow-hiding and coherent backscatter in regolith-like media are also presented. The laboratory investigations were carried out with a photometer/polarimeter at phase angles covering 0.2°-4° and wavelengths of 0.63 and 0.45 μm. We studied samples that characterize a variety of microscopic structures and albedos. A particle-size dependence of the negative branch of polarization for powdered dielectric surfaces was found. Colored samples such as a powder Fe₂O₃ exhibit a very prominent wavelength dependence of the photometric and polarimetric opposition phenomena. Metallic powders usually exhibit a wide branch of the negative polarization independent of the size of particles. For fine dielectric powders, both opposition phenomena become more prominent when the samples were compressed. Our computer modeling based on ray tracing in particulate media shows that shadow-hiding affects the negative polarization only in combination with the coherent backscatter enhancement. Modeling reveals that scattering orders higher than second contribute to negative polarization even in dark particulate surfaces. Our model qualitatively reproduces the effects of varying sample-compression that we observed in the laboratory. Our experimental and computer modeling studies mutually confirm that the degree of polarization for highly reflective dielectric surfaces depends not only on phase angle but also on surface tilt. Even at exactly zero phase the degree of polarization for tilted surfaces can be nonzero. A tilt of the surface normal to the scattering plane gives a parallel shift of the negative polarization branch to large values of |P|. The tilt in the perpendicular plane gives the same shift in the direction of positive polarization. At exactly zero phase angle, a celestial body of irregular shape can exhibit nonzero polarization even in integral polarimetric observations.     

Magnetochemistry of the apollo landing sites

The magnetochemical synthesis, as presented, derives from an integration of the magnetic property systematics developed with corresponding bulk chemistry and petrology, and the results of mixing and reduction responses which feature in the production of the lunar regolith. Magnetochemical properties of the lunar soils are correlated with the Al/Si ratio and telescope spectral reflectivity curves. Magnetochemical diagrams utilizingχ _p(paramagnetic susceptibility ? FeO) andI _S(saturation magnetization ? Fe metal) serve to classify lunar samples, indicate the extent of mixing, and demonstrate that although reduction does take place in production of the regolith, the role of mixing is quite significant. The relative metal size distribution and magnetic stability for various rock types and soils of varying Al/Si values are reflected in theR _I(ratio of saturation isothermal remanence-I _R, to saturation magnetization -I _S) vsR _H(ratio of remanent coercive force -H _R, to coercive force -H _C) plot. All magnetic hysteresis loop parameters considered vary systematically according to the Al/Si values. All Apollo landing sites have distinct telescope curves correlated with petrology, chemistry, Al/Si values, and magnetic properties. Magnetic properties of sites not visited can now be reasonably estimated based on telescope reflectivity curves and orbital geochemical experiments.     

polarimetric and photometric observations of split comet C/2001 A2 (LINEAR)

We present the results of polarimetric and photometricobservations of split Comet C/2001 A2 (LINEAR), which wereobtained at the 70-cm telescope of the Astronomical Observatoryof Kharkiv National University between 30 June and 31 July 2001.The brightest fragment of the comet, nucleus B, was observed.Eight narrowband cometary filters in the continuum and in emissionbands and a wideband red filter have been used. The comet wasobserved through apertures of 88, 33, and 19 arcsec. Polarizationphase curves were obtained for the continuum and for the firsttime, for NH₂(0, 7, 0) emission. The degree of polarization ofthe light scattered by the dust decreases with the increase ofaperture size. An important temporal variation of the polarizationwith a rotation of the polarization plane was observed at twophase angles (26.5° and 36.2°). Molecular column densities and production rates of CN, C₂,C₃, and NH₂ species are calculated in the framework of theHaser model. A comparative analysis of the temporal variations ofthe visual magnitudes, gas and dust production rates, dust colorand polarization are presented.