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Pluto - Evidence for methane frostResults 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.
Document ID
19770029547
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Cruikshank, D. P.
(Hawaii Univ. Honolulu, HI, United States)
Pilcher, C. B.
(Hawaii Univ. Honolulu, HI, United States)
Morrison, D.
(Hawaii, University Honolulu, Hawaii, United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
November 19, 1976
Publication Information
Publication: Science
Volume: 194
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
77A12399
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGL-12-001-057
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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