Modeling Pluto's light curve in the near infrared : implications for observation post new horizons
Name
958836788-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
9.86 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
fbecced4e3902a6aad82e26732849361
Author(s)
Kosiarek, Molly (Molly R.)
Advisor(s)
Amanda Bosh.
Date Issued
2016
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
The effects of volatile transport on Pluto's surface on ground-based observations of Pluto's light curve were studied. Due to Pluto's eccentricity of 0.249, obliquity of 123 degrees, and atmosphere, the transfer of volatiles may cause global surface change over the course of Pluto's orbit. Magellan visible and near infrared data were gathered one month before the New Horizons flyby in order to compare ground-based observing with spacecraft data. Furthermore, a model was created in order to predict how volatile transport will affect ground-based observations in the future. The near-infrared data show large scale surface composition as a function of longitude and confirm New Horizons' compositional results. The model determines that the composition of the underlying layer on Pluto's north pole can be determined by monitoring the J - Ks ratio, if the nitrogen ice currently located on the north pole is sublimated due to volatile transport. Therefore, ground based observing can monitor volatile transport and global surface changes can be monitored after the New Horizon's flyby.
Description
Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, 2016.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 81-91).
Subjects
Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
Terms of Use
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