Illumination Model of Lunar Terrain around Lunar Laser Retroreflectors Based on LOLA Data

Abstract

Lunar laser retroreflectors are a crucial target for lunar laser ranging (LLR). During LLR operations at all lunar laser ranging stations, the considerable distance between the Earth and the Moon makes it impossible to visually identify the position of the lunar laser retroreflectors within the camera’s field of view (FOV). Typically, we use the camera to observe various lunar surface features illuminated by sunlight, and then we align the telescope with the corresponding area for accurate positioning. Based on lunar digital elevation model (DEM) data and INPOP19a planetary ephemeris, our research presents an illumination model for the lunar terrain around the lunar laser retroreflectors, suitable for the 1’ camera FOV constraint at the TianQin laser ranging station. The illumination model is linked to universal time coordinated (UTC) time and DEM data. By inputting the UTC time, the illumination conditions of the terrain surrounding the five lunar laser retroreflectors can be determined for that specific time. The terrain surrounding the Apollo 15 and Lunokhod 2 retroreflectors exhibits distinctive terrain features under illumination, making them easier to locate compared to other retroreflectors. This illumination model provides a better solution to the problem of aligning laser ranging stations to lunar laser retroreflectors.