Year: 2013
Type: preprint
Abstract: Combining stellar occultation observations probing Pluto's atmosphere from 1988 to 2013 and models of energy balance between Pluto's surface and atmosphere, we conclude that Pluto's atmosphere does not collapse at any point in its 248-year orbit. The occultation results show an increasing atmospheric pressure with time in the current epoch, a trend present only in models with a high thermal inertia and a permanent N2 ice cap at Pluto's north rotational pole.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Authors: Olkin, C. B., Young, L. A., Borncamp, D., Pickles, A., Sicardy, B., Assafin, M., Bianco, F. B., Buie, M. W., de Oliveira, A. Dias, Gillon, M., French, R. G., Gomes, A. Ramos, Jehin, E., Morales, N., Opitom, C., Ortiz, J. L., Maury, A., Norbury, M., Ribas, F. B., Smith, R., Wasserman, L. H., Young, E. F., Zacharias, M., Zacharias, N.
Institutions: Southwest Research Institute, Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network, Observatoire de Paris, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Valongo Observatory, New York University, National Observatory, University of Liège, Wellesley College, Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía, Liverpool John Moores University, Lowell Observatory
Language: English
Topic: Astro and Planetary Science
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1846807394