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Pluto, Charon and new moons, 2006
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Pluto, Charon and new moons, 2006
New moons of Pluto. Hubble Space Telescope (HST) images of Pluto (centre) and its large moon Charon (below and right of Pluto), and two newly discovered moons, S/2005 P2 (right of Pluto) and S/2005 P1 (below and right of P2). The image was taken on 15th February 2006 by the ACS instrument on the HST. These two moons were discovered in May 2005, and this observation was made to confirm their orbits, which fitted very well with predictions. Pluto and Charon orbit some 19, 100 kilometres from each other, and are so similar in mass that they orbit a point between them, rather than inside Pluto. P1 and P2 orbit some 65, 000km and 50, 000km respectively from this point
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Media ID 6445487
© NASA/ESA/STSCI/H.WEAVER,JHU/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
2006 Advanced Camera For Surveys Astrophysical Astrophysics Charon Dwarf Planet Hubble Space Telescope Kuiper Belt Object Moon Moons Orbiting Planetary Pluto Quartet Solar System System
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This print showcases the enigmatic quartet of Pluto, Charon, and its two newly discovered moons. Captured by the Hubble Space Telescope's Advanced Camera for Surveys on February 15th, 2006, this image offers a mesmerizing glimpse into our solar system's outer reaches. In the center of the frame stands Pluto, once considered our ninth planet before being reclassified as a dwarf planet. Orbiting just below and to the right of Pluto is its largest moon, Charon. The proximity between these celestial bodies is strikingly close; they orbit around a point located approximately 19,100 kilometers from each other. To the right of Pluto lies S/2005 P2 while below it rests S/2005 P1 - both recently discovered moons that were confirmed through this observation. These newfound companions are situated at distances of about 65,000km and 50,000km respectively from their shared gravitational focal point with Pluto and Charon. The intricate dance among these four celestial objects highlights their interconnectedness within our vast universe. This photograph not only captures their beauty but also serves as a testament to humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge in astrophysics and astronomy. As we continue exploring new frontiers beyond Earth's boundaries, images like this remind us of how much there still is to discover about our cosmic neighborhood.
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