Distribution and Evolution of CH4, N2, and CO Ices on Pluto's Surface: 1995 to 1998
@article{Grundy2001DistributionAE, title={Distribution and Evolution of CH4, N2, and CO Ices on Pluto's Surface: 1995 to 1998}, author={William M. Grundy and Marc W. Buie}, journal={Icarus}, year={2001}, volume={153}, pages={248-263} }
Abstract We present new near-infrared spectra of the planet Pluto obtained at Lowell Observatory on 83 nights during 1995–1998. The dense temporal sampling of our observations enables us to measure with unprecedented detail cyclical changes in the depths of methane, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen ice absorption bands, modulated by Pluto's diurnal rotation. We show that CO, N 2 , and weak CH 4 absorption band depths exhibit rotational patterns very different from those of Pluto's visible…
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