Animation of the chaotic spin of Pluto’s moon Nix
This animation illustrates how Pluto’s moon Nix changes its spin unpredictably as it orbits the Pluto-Charon system. The view is from the centre of the system as the moon circles around it. The time-lapse animation 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 Video
Id: | heic1512a |
Release date: | 3 June 2015, 19:00 |
Related releases: | heic1512 |
Duration: | 02 m 00 s |
Frame rate: | 30 fps |
About the Object
Name: | Nix |
Type: | Solar System : Interplanetary Body : Dwarf planet |
Category: | HD Solar System |