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Charon/Pluto Mass Ratio Obtained with HST CCD Observations in 1991 and 1993We have analyzed Hubble Space Telescope wide field camera observations of Pluto, Charon, and a reference star, acquired in 1991 and 1993, to observe Pluto's barycentric motion and determine the Charon/Pluto mass ratio, q = 0.1237 +/-0.0081, with 6.5% accuracy. Solution values for Charon orbital elements include the semimajor axis, a = 19662 +/-81 km; inclination, i = 96.57 +/-0.24 deg; eccentricity, e = 0.0072 +/-0.0067; longitude of periapsis, w = 2 +/-35 deg; and mean longitude, l = 123.58 +/-0.43 deg. These elements are referred to the J2000 Earth equator and equinox at epoch JED 2446600.5.
Document ID
20060041878
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Null, George W.
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1995
Publication Information
Publication: Astronomical Journal
Subject Category
Astronomy
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Charon Pluto

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