Quantitative modeling of the spectral reflectance of Kuiper Belt objects and Centaurs

Reflectance spectroscopy of Solar System bodies provides a rich source of information on their compositions (minerals, ices, metals, and macromolecular carbon-bearing materials). Models calculated with radiative transfer theories for the spectral distribution of diffusely scattered sunlight from planetary surfaces yield information on the compositions, abundances, physical states, layering, and particle microstructure of those surfaces. We discuss and evaluate the scattering theories of Hapke and Shkuratov that are widely used for modeling the reflectance spectra and color data for Kuiper Belt objects, Centaur objects, and other airless bodies in the Solar System. Both theories yield good models of the reflectance spectrum of Centaur 5145 Pholus using five components (ices, carbon, a silicate mineral, and a complex organic material), although the derived abundances differ widely. To cite this article: D.P. Cruikshank et al., C. R. Physique 4 (2003).