Pluto - Evidence for methane frost

Details Pluto - Evidence for methane frost Pluto - Evidence for methane frost

Nov 1976

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1976sci...194..835c&link_type=abstract

Science, vol. 194, Nov. 19, 1976, p. 835-837.

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

56

Frost, Methane, Pluto (Planet), Solidified Gases, Absorption Spectra, Infrared Astronomy, Snow Cover, Spectrum Analysis, Water

Scientific paper

Results are presented for infrared photometry of Pluto in the wavelength range from 1.2 to 2.2 microns, which includes the diagnostic absorption bands of water and methane frosts (designated as H1 and H2, respectively). Based on Pluto's observed J-H color and H1/H2 reflectance ratio as well as restrictions imposed by other observational and theoretical studies, it is concluded that methane frost is probably the dominant reflecting material on the planet's surface. It is suggested that this frost may be mixed with other materials, and some variation of the frost cover is indicated. Two plausible sources for the methane on Pluto are discussed, the average geometric albedo of the planet is assumed to be 0.4, and its diameter is estimated to be 3300 km.

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