The detection of eclipses in the Pluto-Charon system

Details The detection of eclipses in the Pluto-Charon system The detection of eclipses in the Pluto-Charon system

Jun 1985

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1985sci...228.1193b&link_type=abstract

Science (ISSN 0036-8075), vol. 228, June 7, 1985, p. 1193-1195.

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

39

Charon, Eclipses, Pluto (Planet), Albedo, Astrometry, Density Distribution, Diameters, Planetary Mass, Planetary Orbits, Pluto, Pluto-Charon System, Eclipses, Astronomy, Observations, Diameter, Physical Properties, Size, Albedo, Orbits, Celestial Mechanics, Density, Mass, Models, Composition, Telescope Methods

Scientific paper

The first eclipses between Pluto and its satellite ("Charon") were detected in January and February 1985, confirming the satellite's existence. Eclipses lasting a few hours will now occur at 3.2-day intervals for the next 5 to 6 years and then will cease for about 120 years. Careful observations of these eclipses will allow greatly improved determinations to be made of several physical parameters for the Pluto-Charon system: the diameters of the planet and satellite, the surface albedo distribution on one hemisphere of the planet, the orbit of the satellite, and the mass of the planet and hence its density. Knowledge of the density will provide a constraint on models of Pluto's bulk composition.

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