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Pluto Turning Redder

Hubble photos reveal major changes on ex-planet's surface

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 5, 2010 2:10 AM CST

(Newser) – Astronomers haven't been ignoring Pluto since its demotion to "dwarf planet" in 2006, particularly now that it's putting on a color show for scientists. Newly processed images from the Hubble Space Telescope have given scientists their best view yet of Pluto, which is 20% redder than it used to be. The new hue, which changed dramatically in a single 2-year period beginning in 2000, is believed due to changes in surface ice as Pluto enters a new phase of its orbit.

Pluto experienced more surface changes over the period than any other object studied in the solar system, including Earth. "It's a surprise to see these changes happening so big and so fast," a scientist at the Southwest Research Institute tells the BBC. "This is unprecedented." Astronomers plan to keep a close eye on Pluto, believing it will yield clues about other objects in the Kuiper Belt beyond Neptune.

[Images (1)]

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These images from the Hubble Space Telescope show dramatic surface changes on Pluto. (NASA)

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An animation produced from hundreds of Hubble Space Telescope images of Pluto. (puretroubleman)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 8 comments

finkster

Feb 5, 2010 10:59 AM CST

I understand Pluto's anger...I mean I would be getting mad and turning red if someone classified me a "Dwarf"

sidewinder

Feb 5, 2010 10:48 AM CST

You know normally you annoy me but kudos on the hollow man reference.

riffran

Feb 5, 2010 8:43 AM CST

it's angry because it took so long for the pink slip to arrive in the mail..."Dear Pluto, you have been fired from planetary status inc....have a nice day" The question is, is the changes caused from temprature fluctuations secondary to orbital phase , or a change in the refraction angle of light also related to orbital staus...or "other"

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Pluto Turning Redder