MOLA is currently functioning in Mars orbit as a passive radiometer. Some examples of initial 1064-nm surface reflectance maps are given below. The data in these charts have been corrected for phase angle but have not yet been fully calibrated. Expect future updates.

Shown above is a cylindrical projection of MOLA 1064 nm passive reflectivity during southern spring from recent radiometry data. (Credit: MOLA Science Team)

Same as previous, during southern summer. Note apparent darkening at all sunlit latitudes in the last month. (Credit: MOLA Science Team)

Shown above is a cylindrical projection of MOLA 1064 nm passive reflectivity for a merge of northern and southern summer. (Credit: MOLA Science Team)

This figure consists of polar steoregraphic maps of MOLA 1064 nm passive reflectivity polar north and south spring and summer maps. The maps extend from latitude 45° to the poles with circles every 10°. Northern data are from year 2 of the MGS mapping mission and southern data are from year 1 of the MGS mapping mission. The figure illustrates the seasonal variability of the passive radiance signal. (Credit: MOLA Science Team)

MOLA began mapping the surface of Mars in passive mode on October 9, 2001. In passive mode the instrument has been optimized to increase the sensitivity of the measurements compared to those taken while the instrument was in ranging mode. MOLA's passive measurements will be archived and released for analysis in the same manner as the altimetry observations.

These charts are derived from two presentations of initial results from the MOLA passive radiometry experiment at the 2001 Fall Meeting of the American Geophysical Union:
Sun, X., J.B. Abshire, G.A. Neumann, and M.T. Zuber, Radiometry Measurements of Mars at 1064 nm Using the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter, EOS Trans. Am. Geophys. Un., 82, 2001.
Ivanov, A.B., G.A. Neumann, D.O. Muhleman, Joint analysis of the MOLA radiometry data and TES Lambert Albedo, EOS Trans. Am. Geophys. Un., 82, 2001.