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Detailed Reference Information |
Simonelli, D.P. and Reynolds, R.T. (1989). The interiors of Pluto and Charon: Structure, composition, and implications. Geophysical Research Letters 16: doi: 10.1029/89GL03196. issn: 0094-8276. |
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We review recent models of the internal structure of Pluto and Charon made possible by analysis of the Pluto/Charon mutual events. At a mean density of just over 2 g cm-3 and a predicted rock mass fraction of roughly 0.7, the Pluto/Charon system is significantly rockier than the icy satellites of the giant planets, a contrast which may reflect its formation in a CO-rich outer solar nebula rather than a circumplanetary nebula. Pluto and Charon may in fact be o rocky that they lost volatiles early in their history (possibly during a Charon-forming impact event), although this is still an open issue. Finally, we review the outlook for future study of the Pluto and Charon interiors. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1989 |
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Abstract |
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Keywords
Planetology, Fluid Planets, Interiors |
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Publisher
American Geophysical Union 2000 Florida Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009-1277 USA 1-202-462-6900 1-202-328-0566 service@agu.org |
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