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Surface compositions across Pluto and Charon

2016; American Association for the Advancement of Science; Volume: 351; Issue: 6279 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1126/science.aad9189

1095-9203

W. M. Grundy, Richard P. Binzel, B. J. Buratti, J. C. Cook, D. P. Cruikshank, C. M. Dalle Ore, A. M. Earle, Kimberly Ennico, C. J. A. Howett, Allen Lunsford, C. B. Olkin, A. H. Parker, Philippe Sylvain, S. Protopapa, É. Quirico, Dennis C. Reuter, B. Schmitt, K. N. Singer, A. Verbiscer, R. A. Beyer, M. W. Buie, A. F. Cheng, Donald E. Jennings, I. R. Linscott, J. W. Parker, P. Schenk, J. R. Spencer, J. A. Stansberry, S. A. Stern, H. B. Throop, C. C. C. Tsang, H. A. Weaver, Gerald Weigle, L. A. Young,

Astrophysics and Star Formation Studies

The New Horizons spacecraft mapped colors and infrared spectra across the encounter hemispheres of Pluto and Charon. The volatile ices CH$_4$, CO, and N$_2$, that dominate Pluto's surface, have complicated spatial distributions resulting from sublimation, condensation, and glacial flow acting over seasonal and geological timescales. Pluto's H$_2$O ice "bedrock" is also mapped, with isolated outcrops occurring in a variety of settings. Pluto's surface exhibits complex regional color diversity associated with its distinct provinces. Charon's color pattern is simpler, dominated by neutral low latitudes and a reddish northern polar region. Charon near infrared spectra reveal highly localized areas with strong NH$_3$ absorption tied to small craters with relatively fresh-appearing impact ejecta.