previous planet - home

Pluto is the farthest planet from the sun and by far the smallest

Surface

The bright areas on the surface of Pluto are covered with ices of nitrogen and smaller amounts of methane, ethane and carbon monoxide. The dark areas are unknown but maybe due to primordial organic material or photochemical reactions driven by cosmic rays.

Interior

The composition of Pluto is unknown but the density indicates that it is probably about 70% rock and 30% water ice.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere of Pluto is little known but is thought to be primarily nitrogen with carbon monoxide and methane. The atmosphere is very tenuous with a surface pressure of only a few microbars. The atmosphere thickens when Pluto gets closer to the sun and solar heat vaporizes the ice on the surface. Away from the sun, gases freeze out adding a layer of bright fresh frost to the frozen planet.

Temperature

The temperature varies between -235 to -210 degrees centigrade. The warmer regions correspond to regions appearing darker in optical wavelengths.

Pluto Links