Detection of a CH4 atmosphere on Pluto

Details Detection of a CH4 atmosphere on Pluto Detection of a CH4 atmosphere on Pluto

Oct 1980

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1980icar...44...62f&link_type=abstract

Icarus, vol. 44, Oct. 1980, p. 62-71.

Other

55

Astronomical Spectroscopy, Charge Coupled Devices, Methane, Planetary Atmospheres, Pluto (Planet), Absorption Spectra, Data Reduction, Planetary Mass, Planetary Surfaces

Scientific paper

A ratio spectrum of Pluto shows methane absorption bands at 6200, 7200, 7900, 8400, 8600, 8900, and 10,000 A. The heavy saturation of the 8900 band as compared to the other bands indicates a gaseous origin for the observed absorptions. A total methane abundance of 80 + or - 20 m-am is derived, and an upper limit to the total pressure of approximately .05 atm is set. The methane atmosphere would be stable if the mass of Pluto is increased 50% over its present value and its radius is 1400 km. A heavier gas mixed with the methane atmosphere would also aid its stability.

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