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The orbit of Pluto's satelliteNineteen speckle interferometric observations of the Pluto system have been used to improve the determination of the orbital elements for Pluto's satellite. Calibration uncertainties appear to be the dominant source of error, but the observation of a partial occultation of the satellite by Pluto has been used to constrain the orbit solution. The orbital period is found to be in excellent agreement with the rotational period of the planet, reinforcing the belief that the system is completely tidally evolved. The orbital radius and period imply a total mass for the system of 6.8 + or - 0.5 x 10 to the -9th solar masses. Density constraints place an upper limit of 3615 + or - 90 km on the diameter of Pluto, while observations of the first mutual events establish a crude lower limit of about 2800 km.
Document ID
19860030181
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Tholen, D. J.
(Hawaii, University Honolulu, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: Astronomical Journal
Volume: 90
ISSN: 0004-6256
Subject Category
Astronomy
Accession Number
86A14919
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGL-12-001-057
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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