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Science 2 September 1966:
Vol. 153. no. 3740, pp. 1112 - 1113
DOI: 10.1126/science.153.3740.1112
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Articles

Mercury: Infrared Evidence for Nonsynchronous Rotation

Steven L. Soter 1

1 Center for Radiophysics and Space Research, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

An infrared observation of the dark side of Mercury made by Pettit and Nicholson in 1923 led them to suggest that the planet rotates nonsynchronously. Their early measurements, if taken at face value, would imply a brightness temperature of about 180°K for the dark side. The asymmetry of the infrared phase curve is further interpreted as suggesting direct rotation.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Preliminary Infrared Radiometry of the Night Side of Mercury from Mariner 10.
S. C. Chase, S. C. Chase, E. D. Miner, D. Morrison, G. Munch, G. Neugebauer, and M. Schroeder (1974)
Science 185, 142-145
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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)