Two-dimensional silicon vidicon astronomical photometer.

We have developed and successfully used an integrating two-dimensional silicon diode array vidicon photometer which is exceptionally well suited for use with telescopes. The video signal is read out from the 1-cm silicon target of the vidicon through a current mode preamplifier and then converted to digital form and stored on magnetic tape. The 256 x 256 element frames are recorded at 20,000 eight-bit words/sec.

A method for obtaining differential 8-13 micro spectra of the moon and other extended objects.

A method is described for measuring spectral emissivity differences in the 8-13 micro region between two points on the lunar surface which may have different temperatures. Spectral emissivity differences of 0.5% on the moon can be detected in this wavelength region, excluding the strong 9.

Venus: A Map of Its Brightness Temperature.

The 200-inch Hale telescope has been used to make high-resolution maps of the brightness temperature of Venus at wavelengths 8 to 14 microns. Resolution of about 1/30 of the disk reveals a general symmetry about the plane of the orbit, no daynight temperature effects, and a transient temperature anomaly in the southern hemisphere.