Pluto-Charon system

Artist's Impression of the Pluto-Charon system. Observing a very rare occultation of a star by Pluto's satellite Charon from three different sites, including Paranal, home of the VLT, astronomers were able to determine with great accuracy the radius and density of the satellite to the farthest planet. The density, 1.71 that of water, is indicative of an icy body with about slightly more than half of rocks. The observations also put strong constraints on the existence of an atmosphere around Charon.

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso0602a
Type:Artwork
Release date:4 January 2006
Related releases:eso0602
Size:3000 x 2100 px

About the Object

Name:Charon, Pluto
Type:Solar System : Planet : Satellite
Solar System : Interplanetary Body : Dwarf planet
Category:Illustrations

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