New Pluto images discussed |
New Pluto images discussed |
Feb 2 2010, 10:23 AM
Post
#1
|
|
Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 3516 Joined: 4-November 05 From: North Wales Member No.: 542 |
Telecon announcement (via Jupiter List - thanks)
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/jupiter_list/message/8170 |
|
|
Feb 9 2010, 12:53 AM
Post
#2
|
|
Member Group: Members Posts: 903 Joined: 30-January 05 Member No.: 162 |
Heating of the surface will certainly be a complex topic (if 'heating' is the right word for discussing objects colder than liquid nitrogen). I have noted around here, that despite the biting winter cold, the ground remains essentially unfrozen beneath the snow drifts, and yet exposed soil is frozen solid to at least 3 feet. So to the texture and 'fluff' if you will on Pluto will factor into the penetration of the cold, or rather, the 'shallowness' of the heat (if any) dissipating from the Plutonian core. I have no idea what the 'R' values of methane snow vs. block methane ice is (or any other likely surface deposits) but the surface colors and the surface textures there will be sigificant variables. Earthly glaciers seem to compactify the snow into ice at relatively shallow depths, but the low grav on Pluto might allow even very slowly accumulating 'snows' to achieve considerable depth (and 'R' value) to occur. But then you would have something potentially quite interesting if the bottom layer flashed to vapor . . .
I am picturing almost ethereal geysers wafting from gossamer drifts, or dunes. The Tritonian analogy might be quite apt. |
|
|
Lo-Fi Version | Time is now: 31st October 2024 - 11:46 PM |
RULES AND GUIDELINES Please read the Forum Rules and Guidelines before posting. IMAGE COPYRIGHT |
OPINIONS AND MODERATION Opinions expressed on UnmannedSpaceflight.com are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of UnmannedSpaceflight.com or The Planetary Society. The all-volunteer UnmannedSpaceflight.com moderation team is wholly independent of The Planetary Society. The Planetary Society has no influence over decisions made by the UnmannedSpaceflight.com moderators. |
SUPPORT THE FORUM Unmannedspaceflight.com is funded by the Planetary Society. Please consider supporting our work and many other projects by donating to the Society or becoming a member. |