since the new horizons mission hasn't gotten anywhere near there yet and, the best pisture we have is a 9-16 megapixel image how do we know it is covered in ice?
It isn't a planet!!!
2006-09-05 17:19:27 · 11 answers · asked by lots_of_pie 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
We can determine the mass of Pluto by examinining the way it and Charon revolve about each other. Then by knowing the size of Pluto and its mass we can determine the density of Pluto. The density of Pluto is very close to the density of water. So we know that it not made of rock. It isn't just covered in ice it is mostly ice throughout. In addition, when astronomer's say something is icy, they don't neccesarily mean water ice. It can also mean substances that are normally gasses on earth but because it is so cold they become solid on Pluto
2006-09-05 19:26:10 · answer #1 · answered by Demiurge42 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its surface temperature, due to its distance from the sun (39 AU), is about -370F, or -212C, and near absolute zero.
So, anything that is on the surface is frozen.
Now this does not mean that "ice" is WATER ice!
Its atmosphere is made of nitrogen, carbon monoxide and a bit of methane.
I said "atmosphere" because, sometimes, the surface evaporates a bit and creates a layer of gas (that return to frozen state rather quickly).
We know its composition through spectrometry (the analyse of the light it reflects that indicates the elements that make it).
2006-09-05 22:24:30 · answer #2 · answered by just "JR" 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Probably based on the amount of light it reflects given its small size. Astronomers have carefully studied what light and spectrums look like after contact with various substances, and can tell quite a lot just by analyzing the light that comes in from objects. That's how we know what elements are in stars, and in large gas giants, for instance.
2006-09-05 17:26:21 · answer #3 · answered by Graythebruce 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Assuming a reasonably homogeneous concentration of elements and compounds across the Solar System, the ice on Pluto is likely buried beneath miles of methane, ammonia, helium, and hydrogen.
2006-09-05 18:59:01 · answer #4 · answered by Helmut 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it is so far from the sun that it cannot get much heat, if Saturn has its ice ring how much more thus pluto will have the ice.
2006-09-05 18:13:19 · answer #5 · answered by simplegal170905 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An assumption, owing to the distance
2006-09-05 17:21:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because its the farthest from the sun... and it's probably dry ice.
2006-09-05 17:25:56 · answer #7 · answered by Mariaish 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because ice creams are made in pluto!!
2006-09-05 17:21:22 · answer #8 · answered by otto_web 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
or maybe we really should be asking.....do we care if it is covered in ice? my answer............nope..it doesnt effect our living in any way so why should we care?
2006-09-05 17:22:48 · answer #9 · answered by mcdermond3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How do we know that it isn't?
2006-09-05 17:21:24 · answer #10 · answered by Avia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋