Pluto Is Found to Possess a Thin Atmosphere
At a glance:
- Series: Great Events from History II: Science and Technology Series
- Categories: Science
- Subcategories: Scientists, Astronomy, Astronomers, Cosmology
- Curriculum: American History 1951-present
- Geographical Location: Arizona
- Date: May, 1980
Article abstract: Fink investigated specific infrared absorption bands of Pluto and detected significant amounts of methane gas believed to be unusual for such a small planet.
Summary of Event
Although Pluto was discovered in 1930, not much was known about this planet until photometry made possible detailed spectroscopic observations in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Its orbit, for example, is the most eccentric in the solar system, varying in distance from 4.4 to 7.4 billion kilometers. The very elliptical orbit results in significant temperature variations...
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