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Mass-radius relationships and constraints on the composition of PlutoWith 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.
Document ID
19800053750
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Lupo, M. J.
(Massachusetts Inst. of Tech. Cambridge, MA, United States)
Lewis, J. S.
(MIT Cambridge, Mass., United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1980
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 42
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
80A37920
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGL-22-009-521
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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