Pluto’s expanding atmosphere confounds researchers
APR 20, 2011
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.025239
Science : Pluto’s atmosphere has expanded dramatically since 2000, when it extended about 135 km above the surface. It now extends more than 3000 km—nearly one-quarter the distance to Charon, its largest moon. The atmosphere’s composition has changed as well; carbon monoxide has been detected in addition to the methane that was previously known to surround the orb. Because instruments in previous studies could have detected carbon monoxide, its appearance probably indicates a new stage in the seasonal development of Pluto’s atmosphere. The unanticipated changes may be related to Pluto’s recent close approach to the Sun or to long-term variations in the Sun’s ultraviolet output. Because the dwarf planet was discovered a mere 80 years ago, we have yet to observe the entirety of its 248-year path around the Sun.
© 2011. American Institute of Physics