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The moon as a radiometric reference source for on-orbit sensor stability calibration

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https://doi.org/10.1109/IGARSS.2009.5417690

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Abstract

The wealth of data generated by the world's Earth-observing satellites, now spanning decades, allows the construction of long-term climate records. A key consideration for detecting climate trends is precise quantification of temporal changes in sensor calibration on-orbit. For radiometer instruments in the solar reflectance wavelength range (near-UV to shortwave-IR), the Moon can be viewed as a solar diffuser with exceptional stability properties. A model for the lunar spectral irradiance that predicts the geometric variations in the Moon's brightness with ???1% precision has been developed at the U.S. Geological Survey in Flagstaff, AZ. Lunar model results corresponding to a series of Moon observations taken by an instrument can be used to stabilize sensor calibration with sub-percent per year precision, as demonstrated by the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS). The inherent stability of the Moon and the operational model to utilize the lunar irradiance quantity provide the Moon as a reference source for monitoring radiometric calibration in orbit. This represents an important capability for detecting terrestrial climate change from space-based radiometric measurements.
Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title The moon as a radiometric reference source for on-orbit sensor stability calibration
ISBN 9781424433957
DOI 10.1109/IGARSS.2009.5417690
Volume 5
Year Published 2009
Language English
Larger Work Title International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS)
Conference Title 2009 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, IGARSS 2009
Conference Location Cape Town
Conference Date 12 July 2009 through 17 July 2009
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