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Tian & Toon 2005
Tian, F. and Toon, O.B. (2005). Hydrodynamic escape of nitrogen from Pluto. Geophysical Research Letters 32: doi: 10.1029/2005GL023510. issn: 0094-8276.

Hydrodynamic escape of nitrogen from Pluto is studied by solving time-dependent hydrodynamic escape equations that treat the spatial distribution of EUV energy deposition realistically. Simulations show that the N2 hydrodynamic escape rate is ~1 ¿ 1028 molecules s-1 when Pluto is at 40 AU (its average orbital location) and solar activity level is at minimum. The N2 hydrodynamic escape rate is ~2 ¿ 1028 molecules s-1 when Pluto is at its perihelion (30 AU) and solar activity level is at maximum. Through hydrodynamic escape, Pluto may have lost ~0.5% of its total mass over the age of the solar system. Comet-like interactions may occur between Pluto's atmosphere and the solar wind flow, which may be observed by the New Horizon mission.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Atmospheric Composition and Structure, Evolution of the atmosphere (1610, 8125), Atmospheric Composition and Structure, Planetary atmospheres (5210, 5405, 5704), Planetary Sciences, Solid Surface Planets, Atmospheres (0343, 1060), Planetary Sciences, Solar System Objects, Pluto and satellites
Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
http://www.agu.org/journals/gl/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
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