Physics
Scientific paper
Apr 1980
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1980icar...42...29l&link_type=abstract
Icarus, vol. 42, Apr. 1980, p. 29-34.
Physics
5
Planetary Composition, Planetary Mass, Pluto (Planet), Albedo, Computerized Simulation, Ice, Methane, Moments Of Inertia, Pluto, Composition, Mass, Radius, Density, Methane, Albedo, Models, Computer Techniques, Physical Properties, Conductivity, Convection, Water, Silicates, Procedure, Data, Ice, Rock, Pressure, Thickness, Cores, Temperatures
Scientific paper
With the new upper limit of Pluto's mass, an upper limit for Pluto's density of 1.74 g/cu cm has been found. Assuming Pluto to be 100% methane, available methane density data can be used to set a lower limit of 0.53 g/cu cm on Pluto's density, thus placing an absolute upper limit of 1909 km on the radius and a lower limit of 0.32 on the albedo. The results of 280 computer models covering a wide range of composition ratios of rock, water ice, and methane ice are reported. Limits are placed on Pluto's silicate content, and a simple spacecraft method for determining Pluto's water content from its density and moment of inertia is given. The low thermal conductivity and strength of solid methane suggest rapid solid-state convection in Pluto's methane layer.
Lewis Scott J.
Lupo M. J.
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