Topic: New Hubble Maps of Pluto Show Surface Changes

[sam]

NASA today released the most detailed set of images ever taken of the distant dwarf planet Pluto. The images taken by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope show an icy and dark molasses-colored, mottled world that is undergoing seasonal changes in its surface color and brightness. Pluto has become significantly redder, while its illuminated northern hemisphere is getting brighter. These changes are most likely consequences of surface ices sublimating on the sunlit pole and then refreezing on the other pole as the dwarf planet heads into the next phase of its 248-year-long seasonal cycle. The dramatic change in color apparently took place in a two-year period, from 2000 to 2002.

http://www.physorg.com/news184515968.html

This is cool! Looks like we aren't going to have to wait till new horizons gets there for some interesting new stuff...

[Clive]

Whoever would have thought we would see such detail from such a tiny object?  Will Kepler be able to see any surface detail? 

[sam]

I'd have thought Kepler might... then again its too busy doing its main job at the moment (getting data for you know who.... )

[Clive]

 

[sam]

well that and looking for planets...