A wavelength-dependent visible and infrared spectrophotometric function for the Moon based on ROLO data

The USGS's Robotic Lunar Observatory (ROLO) dedicated ground‐based lunar calibration project obtained photometric observations of the Moon over the spectral range attainable from Earth (0.347–2.39 μm) and over solar phase angles of 1.55°–97°. From these observations, we derived empirical lunar surface solar phase functions for both the highlands and maria that can be used for a wide range of applications. The functions can be used to correct for the effects of viewing geometry to produce lunar mosaics, spectra, and quick‐look products for future lunar missions and ground‐based observations. Our methodology can be used for a wide range of objects for which multiply scattered radiation is not significant, including all but the very brightest asteroids and moons.