Pluto: Evidence for Methane Frost
Abstract
Infrared photometry (1.2 to 2.2 micrometers) of Pluto provides evidence for frozen methane on the surface of the planet. This appears to be the first observational indication of this ice in the solar system. Its presence on Pluto suggests that the planet's albedo (reflectance) may be >= 0.4 and that its diameter may be less than that of the moon.
- Publication:
- Science
- Pub Date:
- November 1976
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 1976Sci...194..835C
- Keywords:
- Frost;
- Methane;
- Pluto (Planet);
- Solidified Gases;
- Absorption Spectra;
- Infrared Astronomy;
- Snow Cover;
- Spectrum Analysis;
- Water;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration
