Pluto’s Companion shows Evidence of Geologic Activity
So, what can I say! Charon is not at all what I expected. Yes, sure, I know it’s an icy world, but this view just blew me away when I saw it earlier today. To paraphrase a famous Star Trek doctor: “It’s NOT dead, Jim!”
So, what do we have here? First, there’s what looks like the mother of all really obvious impact craters! You can’t miss it, but just in case, it’s that round donut shaped region near the bottom.
Then you have what look like chasms, over on the right limb. Project scientists say they’re deeper and bigger than the Grand Canyon!
And, there are hints of other canyons or cracks or something marring the icy surface. Finally, check out that polar cap. It’s dark. What’s THAT all about?
So, now we have this moon of already weird-looking Pluto looking pretty darned strange itself. It’s becoming obvious to scientists that it’s active, especially if you take into account the evidence of faulting and disruption of the surface. That doesn’t happen on a dead world. So, what’s going on? Again, I can’t answer, but I’m really hoping we’re going to hear more about all this when we convene at Johns Hopkins over the next couple of days to hear from the experts.
As I like to say: stay tuned!
The apparent chasm on the limb reminds me of Miranda (innermost of Uranus’ moons about a third the size of Charon). Miranda sports a fissure-like gash with dramatic cliffs named Verona Rupes that may be analogous to what we’re seeing here…time will tell. Also, there seems a possible indication of a giant multi-ring basin at the 2-o’clock position in this image of Charon. Tantalizing!
Adolph,
Yes, I also thought of Miranda’s Verona Rupes when I saw that on Charon. It looks “huge” on such a tiny world, doesn’t it? Also, recall that Charon showed evidence of geysering or some kind of venting as seen from the ground several years ago by Chad Trujillo, et al using Gemini Observatory.
Since most of the heavier elements were drawn closer to the sun for the rocky planets, I wonder if this world is past the point and contains enough heavy elements to generate the heat required.
there’s bound to be enough pieces from the ort cloud to keep pounding it.
please forgive me if I’m way off base, I’m trying to keep up.
Oh that’s right, I recall…the possible geysers or outgassing. Activity – wouldn’t THAT be stunning to capture! Also looking to spot possible specular reflection off of Pluto, if geometry smiles on the spacecraft position – either off of just smooth (now)solid ice plains or liquid, that would be a strong indication of current dynamism. What a place!
Oh, just spotted an image taken yesterday – terrain like that of Triton apparent!