Near-infrared spectral monitoring of Pluto’s ices: Spatial distribution and secular evolution

@article{Grundy2013NearinfraredSM,
  title={Near-infrared spectral monitoring of Pluto’s ices: Spatial distribution and secular evolution},
  author={W. Grundy and C. Olkin and L. Young and M. Buie and E. Young},
  journal={Icarus},
  year={2013},
  volume={223},
  pages={710-721}
}
Abstract We report results from monitoring Pluto’s 0.8 to 2.4 μm reflectance spectrum with IRTF/SpeX on 65 nights over the dozen years from 2001 to 2012. The spectra show vibrational absorption features of simple molecules CH4, CO, and N2 condensed as ices on Pluto’s surface. These absorptions are modulated by the planet’s 6.39 day rotation period, enabling us to constrain the longitudinal distributions of the three ices. Absorptions of CO and N2 are concentrated on Pluto’s anti-Charon… Expand
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