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Posted by baalke on September 21, 2006, 11:54 am
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Ref.: PN 06/03 (EPSC1)
Issued by EPSC Communications Officers:
Anita Heward
Tel: +49 (0) 3076831
Mobile: +44 (0) 7756 034243
E-mail: anitaheward@btinternet.com
epsc1@rssd.esa.int
European Planetary Science Congress Press Room (18 22 September only):
Tel: +49 (0) 3076831
Europlanet Web site: http://www.europlanet-eu.org
EPSC1 meeting web site: http://meetings.copernicus.org/epsc2006/
CONTACT DETAILS ARE LISTED AT THE END OF THIS RELEASE.
DOES PLUTO'S ATMOSPHERE GO THROUGH THE FAST-FREEZE?
A study of Pluto's bright frosts suggests that the way the planet cools
down is rapid and disorganised. The results were presented at the
European
Planetary Science Congress in Berlin.
Pluto's surface is bright because its atmosphere periodically condenses
onto the surface. Theory suggested that, as Pluto cools, the traces of
methane should condense first, followed by nitrogen ice as Pluto's
surface grows colder. The study showed two surprising results: that
most of Pluto's nitrogen ice contains dissolved methane and that the
area
covered by pure methane ice patches is roughly the same as the areas
covered by the nitrogen methane mixture. The fact that methane ice is
mixed in with the nitrogen suggests that the freeze-out process happens
quickly and haphazardly.
Dr Eliot Young, from the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder,
Colorado,
said, "Regardless of its status as a planet or dwarf planet, Pluto is
still
a fascinating target for planetary scientists. Its surface is
constantly
changing as different parts of the sphere move into and away from
direct
light and material evaporates and condenses. At present, we really
don't
have a clear idea about exactly how this happens or how atmospheric
circulation works on Pluto. But as the New Horizons mission is already
on
its way, we need to make use of the nine years of its journey to find
out
what to expect when it gets there."
Pluto's surface has a patchy covering of nitrogen ice, methane and
hydrocarbon mud. As Pluto moves around its orbital path, the change in
distance from the Sun leads to dramatic changes in the density of
Pluto's
atmosphere. When the intensity of sunlight on the surface frost
increases,
more particles evaporate and Pluto's atmosphere becomes thicker. A
temperature increase of just 1.5 degree Celsius causes Pluto's
atmosphere
to double in density. Pluto is now moving away from the Sun and gets
6%
less light than when it was at its closest approach in 1989.
Dr Young says "At some point there will be a downturn, but at present
Pluto
still seems to be getting warmer. It's like finding that it's warmest
at
three in the afternoon instead of at lunchtime. The temperature rise
may
be flattening out, but we'll have to wait until next year before we can
make some more observations and find out for sure."
The scientists used a technique called stellar occultation, in which
they
analysed the light from a star as Pluto passed in front to work out
Pluto's
density profile. The observations were made with the Keck and Subaru
Telescopes in Hawaii. The next opportunities to use the technique will
be
in March and July next year.
FURTHER INFORMATION
EUROPEAN PLANETARY SCIENCE CONGRESS
The first European Planetary Science Congress (ESPC 1) is taking place
from
18 to 22 September. The conference is organised by EuroPlaNet, the
EU-funded Planetology Network, and is addressing all fields of
planetary
sciences. ESPC 1 is intended to provide a platform to exchange and p
resent results, develop new ideas and to network the planetary science
community. ESPC 1 will cover a broad area of science topics related to
planetary science and planetary missions. It will have a distinctively
interactive style, with a mix of talks, workshops, panels and posters,
intended to provide a stimulating environment for the community to
meet.
For details of the EPSC 1 programme. see:
http://meetings.copernicus.org/epsc2006/
IMAGES
For an image of Pluto, see:
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap010319.html
CONTACTS
Eliot Young
Principal Scientist
Department of Space Studies
Space Science and Engineering Division
Southwest Research Institute
1050 Walnut Street, Suite 400
Boulder, Colorado 80302
E-mail: efy@boulder.swri.edu
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