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Spectrophotometry of Pluto from 3500 to 7350 ASpectra of Pluto have been obtained on six nights during February 1979 by the use of the Cassegrain Digicon spectrograph on the 2.1-m Struve reflector and the IDS spectrograph on the 2.7-m reflector of McDonald Observatory. These spectra, with nominal resolution of 6-7 A, have been reduced to relative fluxes. Relative albedos were then calculated using the solar irradiances of Arvesen et al. (1969). The spectra taken in the blue show no indication of the upturn in albedo at wavelengths less than 3800 A previously reported by Fix, et al. (1970). The lack of a UV upturn cannot be interpreted in terms of a Rayleigh scattering atmosphere unless the albedo of the underlying surface is known. From the lack of methane absorption at the wavelength of the 6190- or 7270-A methane bands, an upper limit of 1-3 m-am of gaseous CH4 is derived. The albedo curve has a constant slope between 3500 and 7300 A. The only other solar system body which has this feature is an S-type asteroid.
Document ID
19810041854
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Barker, E. S.
(McDonald Observatory Austin, TX, United States)
Cochran, W. D.
(McDonald Observatory Austin, TX, United States)
Cochran, A. L.
(McDonald Observatory; Texas, University Austin, Tex., United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1980
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 44
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
81A26258
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-44-012-152
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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