Author:
Hillier J. H.,Buratti B. J.,Hofgartner J. D.,Hicks M. D.,Devins S.,Kivrak L.
Abstract
Abstract
Observations of Pluto from New Horizons have been combined with previous ground-based observations and fit to a radiative transfer model based on Chandrasekhar’s planetary problem and Hapke theory to simultaneously derive the physical properties of the dwarf planet’s surface and atmosphere. We derive the macroscopic roughness, single-scattering albedo, and directional scattering properties of the surface, and the single-scattering albedo, optical depth, and single-scattering phase function of Pluto’s haze. The haze particles are small, with best-fit sizes in the range of ∼0.41–1.14 μm. We find that Pluto’s haze is more similar to that of Titan, rich in organic compounds and highly forward scattering, than that of Triton. With organic compounds and a likely subsurface water ocean, Pluto may harbor sustainable habitable environments. Our model, which includes the coherent backscatter effect, fits the anomalously large opposition surge recently discovered on Pluto.
Publisher
American Astronomical Society
Subject
Space and Planetary Science,Earth and Planetary Sciences (miscellaneous),Geophysics,Astronomy and Astrophysics
Cited by
9 articles.
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