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Current Pluto Science

  • Image at right is the highest-resolution image of Pluto ever generated (only 0.15 arc-secs!).

  • Surface appears to have bright and dark sides, much like Iapetus.

  • Charon-facing side appear to be very rich in methane ice, which interacts with solar UV to produce dark hydrocarbons.

  • Opposite side shows spectral signatures of bright nitrogen and carbon monoxide ices.

  • Surface is cold! Only 39 degrees above absolute zero, where ice acts like rock.

  • Beneath the surface we believe it has a large water ice mantle and a small rocky core (size not well constrained).

  • Stay tuned for 2015!