Pluto Surface Observations 1: NH Post-Encounter Phase, 1 Aug 2015- 10 Oct 2015 |
Pluto Surface Observations 1: NH Post-Encounter Phase, 1 Aug 2015- 10 Oct 2015 |
Aug 1 2015, 05:53 PM
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Merciless Robot Group: Admin Posts: 8785 Joined: 8-December 05 From: Los Angeles Member No.: 602 |
This topic will contain images & discussion of same as they arrive during the extended download period. Similar threads will be opened in coming months as required as acquired data & discussion proceeds.
-------------------- A few will take this knowledge and use this power of a dream realized as a force for change, an impetus for further discovery to make less ancient dreams real.
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Aug 25 2015, 03:26 PM
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Member Group: Members Posts: 137 Joined: 16-June 15 Member No.: 7507 |
Another case where it's so unfortunate that NH wasn't radar equipped like Cassini.
Not that there was any way that was ever going to happen, but still... If you want to know about fine surface texture, you either land or you use radar. But, at least we've got better spectral data coming |
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Aug 25 2015, 06:50 PM
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Member Group: Members Posts: 128 Joined: 10-December 06 From: Atlanta Member No.: 1472 |
Another case where it's so unfortunate that NH wasn't radar equipped like Cassini. Note that the radar signal strength is inversely proportional to the fourth power of the distance. Cassini generally uses radar when flying below 1000 km. NH closest approach was over 12,000 km, resulting in ~20000 times weaker signal (assuming the same transmitter). This is just before getting into the problems with the high relative speed of the flyby. |
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Aug 25 2015, 08:19 PM
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Member Group: Members Posts: 684 Joined: 24-July 15 Member No.: 7619 |
Note that the radar signal strength is inversely proportional to the fourth power of the distance. (snip) New Horizons doesn't carry radar, but could it detect a radio signal from earth that bounced off Pluto/Charon. Does Arecibo transmit any frequencies that New Horizons receives? Could it detect "Tufnel scattering" Turn Arecibo volume up to 11, Point at Pluto/Charon Play a signal as loud as you can. Hope NH can hear the radar echo. So, variables are Arecibo signal strength, beam width in radians, time to aim dish. Pluto/Charon visibility based on alt/azimuth at 24hour day. Pluto Charon surface changes at 6 day/144 hour rotation period. So, blast a radio signal at Pluto at the same time every day, New Horizons hears it about 4 hours later. Do this for 6 days, you get rough data on 60' slices of Pluto/Charon |
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