The chaotic spin of Pluto’s moon Nix
This set of illustrations of Pluto’s moon Nix shows how the orientation of the moon changes unpredictably as it orbits the Pluto-Charon system. This illustration is based on a computer simulation which calculated the chaotic movement of the four smaller moons in the Pluto-Charon system. Astronomers used this simulation to try and understand the unpredictable changes in reflected light from Nix as it orbits Pluto-Charon. They also found that Pluto’s moon Hydra undergoes a chaotic spin as well. The football-shape of both moons contributes to their wild motion.
Credit:NASA, ESA, M. Showalter (SETI Inst.), G. Bacon (STScI)
About the Image
Id: | heic1512a |
Type: | Artwork |
Release date: | 3 June 2015, 19:00 |
Related releases: | heic1512 |
Size: | 3000 x 2178 px |
About the Object
Name: | Nix |
Type: | Solar System : Interplanetary Body : Dwarf planet |
Category: | Solar System |