Remote sensing analysis of solar-system objects

Most of our knowledge of solar-system objects has been achieved by remote sensing observations, and, in particular, by spectroscopy at all wavelengths. Solar-system spectra mainly show two components: a reflected solar component that peaks in the visible range, and a thermal component that extends in the infrared and millimetre range. Remote sensing observations of planets, satellites and comets have demonstrated the amazing variety of their atmospheric and surface properties; this variety is to be kept in mind when observations of extrasolar planets become available.