Present-day Subsurface Ocean on Pluto?

Introduction

Pluto, the dwarf planet, has always been a mystery to scientists. In 2015, NASA's New Horizons spacecraft flew by Pluto and sent back images that revealed a complex and diverse world. One of the most significant discoveries was the presence of a subsurface ocean on Pluto. This article will explore the evidence for a present-day subsurface ocean on Pluto.

The Evidence

Tidal Heating

Tidal heating occurs when a gravitational force causes a celestial body to flex and generate heat. The gravitational force in this case is exerted by Pluto's largest moon, Charon. The New Horizons mission discovered that Charon's orbit is not perfectly circular, which means that it exerts a tidal force on Pluto. This tidal force causes Pluto to flex and generates heat in its interior.

Sputnik Planitia

Sputnik Planitia is a large basin on Pluto's surface that is filled with nitrogen ice. The basin is located near the equator and is aligned with Charon. Scientists believe that Sputnik Planitia was formed by an impact from a large object that caused the nitrogen ice to melt and flow into the basin. However, the basin has remained relatively unchanged since its formation, which suggests that there is a source of heat beneath it.

Subsurface Ocean

The combination of tidal heating and the presence of Sputnik Planitia led scientists to hypothesize that there may be a subsurface ocean on Pluto. The ocean would be located beneath the nitrogen ice in Sputnik Planitia and would be kept liquid by the heat generated by tidal heating.

Confirmation

In 2016, researchers from Brown University used computer models to simulate the formation of Sputnik Planitia. The models showed that if there was a subsurface ocean on Pluto, it would explain the location and orientation of Sputnik Planitia. The models also predicted that the ocean would be at least 100 kilometers deep and would contain more salt than the Dead Sea.

Conclusion

The evidence for a present-day subsurface ocean on Pluto is compelling. Tidal heating generated by Charon and the presence of Sputnik Planitia suggest that there is a source of heat beneath Pluto's surface. Computer models have confirmed that a subsurface ocean would explain the location and orientation of Sputnik Planitia. The discovery of a subsurface ocean on Pluto has significant implications for our understanding of the outer solar system and the potential for life beyond Earth.

FAQs

1. Could there be life in Pluto's subsurface ocean?

- It is unlikely that there is life in Pluto's subsurface ocean because it is too cold and lacks sunlight.

2. How was the subsurface ocean on Pluto discovered?

- The subsurface ocean on Pluto was hypothesized based on observations of tidal heating and the presence of Sputnik Planitia. Computer models were used to confirm the hypothesis.

3. What other discoveries were made by the New Horizons mission?

- The New Horizons mission discovered mountains, glaciers, and a thin atmosphere on Pluto.

4. Is Pluto still considered a planet?

- No, Pluto is now classified as a dwarf planet.

5. Will there be future missions to explore Pluto?

- There are currently no plans for future missions to explore Pluto, but it is possible that new missions will be planned in the future.

This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a subject matter professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.

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