This is an image of Antarctica, giving an idea of what an icy surface might look like from space.
Click on image for full size
JPL/NASA
Questions to answer about Pluto
Pluto is so far away, and has never been explored. Questions to answer about Pluto include the following:
- What are the geologic features of the surface. (pictures of the surface)
- If there are bare spots, what minerals and other outcroppings can be found there? (measurements of the spectra of the surface)
- What is the nature of the atmosphere?
- Are there condensates and clouds in the atmosphere?
- What is the character of the winds?
- Is the interior of the planet active?
- What is the temperature of the planet? (measure the radiation emanating from the planet)
and about Charon
- Is there an atmosphere?
- Is there a magnetic field?
Since Pluto's atmosphere should disappear by the year 2000, as it crosses the orbit of Neptune on its 248 year journey around the sun, the time to explore Pluto is now.
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