Pluto, the enigmatic dwarf planet of the solar system, has surprised the scientific community with its complex and ever-changing atmosphere. Although it is located at enormous distances from the Sun, this celestial body has a thin layer of gas that varies with its orbit. Thanks to the mission New Horizons From NASA and other studies, today we know more about its composition y comportamientoIf you are interested in more about Pluto's context, you can read detailed information about this dwarf planet.
This article delves into the most recent findings about Pluto's atmosphere, its relationship to surface ices, and the processes affecting its evolution. From the layers of fog until the winds that shape its landscape, you will discover the fascinating environment of this frozen world.
Pluto's fragile atmosphere
Pluto's atmosphere is extremely thin compared to Earth's. It is composed primarily of nitrogen (90%), in addition to small amounts of methane y carbon monoxide. Due to the distance from the Sun, temperatures on the dwarf planet range between -233 and -223 °C, which causes much of its gases to freeze on its surface as it moves away in its orbit. If you'd like to learn more about how Pluto's atmosphere compares to other planets, such as Mercury, you can visit this link about Mercury's atmosphere.
During its approach to the Sun, the heat is enough to cause some of the surface ice to sublimate, temporarily releasing gases into the atmosphere. However, as Pluto moves away, these gases refreeze. significantly reducing atmospheric pressureThis phenomenon makes its atmosphere not permanent, but a cyclic process of formation and dissipation.
Discoveries of the New Horizons probe
In 2015, the probe New Horizons flew by Pluto and provided unprecedented images and data about its atmosphere. One of the most surprising findings was the presence of several layers of fog that extend up to 130 kilometers altitude. These mists are composed of hydrocarbon particles generated by the interaction between the Sun's ultraviolet radiation and the gaseous compounds in the atmosphere.
Another significant discovery was the presence of methane dunes on Pluto's surface. These dunes are thought to form by the sublimation of nitrogen and methane, the grains of which are carried by the dwarf planet's gentle winds. Although winds on Pluto can reach 30 or 40km/h, its low gravity facilitates the movement of particles. This phenomenon is closely related to Pluto's atmosphere and landscape, making it necessary to better understand its dynamics.
The enigma of atmospheric temperature
One of the biggest mysteries revealed by New Horizons was the unexpected temperature of Pluto's atmosphere. Previous models predicted that its temperature would be around -173 ° C, but actual measurements indicated temperatures of approximately -200 ° CThis thermal lag is due to the capacity of the hydrocarbon mist to absorb solar radiation and emit it back into space, reducing atmospheric warming.
This phenomenon has never before been observed on another planet and represents a new atmospheric behavior within the solar system. Future observations with space telescopes are expected to better understand this mechanism and its impact on Pluto's climate evolution, which could open the door to new discoveries about the climate of other celestial bodies.
How Pluto's orbit affects its atmosphere
Unlike the classical planets, Pluto's orbit is highly eccentric, ranging from 29,7 and 48,8 astronomical units (AU) of the Sun. This extreme variation causes cooling and heating cycles that directly impact its atmosphere. To better understand the uniqueness of its orbit, you can read about other orbits in the solar system in this article.
When Pluto is in its perihelion (closest point to the Sun), radiation causes the sublimation of frozen nitrogen and methane, generating an atmosphere with a pressure of up to 10 microbars. In his aphelion, the gases freeze again and the atmosphere almost completely disappears, leaving a layer of ice on the surface.
This process also affects the color y gloss of the planet. At perihelion, the surface is darker due to the sublimation of ice, while at aphelion, the deposition of new ice increases its reflectivity.
Data collected by New Horizons and ground-based telescopes have shown that Pluto's atmospheric pressure is constantly changing. In recent decades, measurements indicated an unexpected increase in pressure, contradicting predictions that it should decrease as it moves further from the Sun. However, the most recent data suggest that this increase may have been temporary and that the atmosphere is already collapsing.
The study of Pluto's atmosphere has revealed a dynamic world full of surprises. Despite its small size and remote location, it exhibits complex phenomena such as cyclic gas sublimation, the formation of atmospheric haze, and the presence of wind-driven dunes.
The discoveries of New Horizons have completely changed our understanding of this dwarf planet, demonstrating that even the most distant bodies can have fascinating atmospheric processes. As more observations are made, we will continue to unravel the secrets of this enigmatic icy world. If you're interested in learning more about why Pluto isn't classified as a planet, you can read This detailed explanation.
