South African astronomers have joined forces with NASA to learn more about Pluto.
Pluto remains an important object for study, though. Today it is considered one of many dwarf planets beyond Neptune, in a doughnut-shaped region of mostly icy debris orbiting the Sun called thespacecraft; it flew close to Pluto in 2015, revealing spectacular images of the dwarf planet’s surface and atmosphere. But there’s still plenty to learn.
We were asked to observe a rare event that would provide insights into the dwarf planet’s atmosphere and particularly this likely freezing scenario. When scientists are trying to capture an occultation they might use a single telescope that tracks the shadow of the object’s passage, or up to 100 telescopes strategically distributed to map out the shape of an object and discover or characterise satellites and asteroids. These telescopes need to be smaller and more mobile than their more static, larger equivalents used for other research.
They joined professors Michael Skrutskie and Anne Verbiscer from the University of Virginia and Nasa, both principal investigators of Pluto’s occultation and other Nasa missions such as New Horizons. Considering that, at the same time, our Earth is also moving at an orbital velocity of 107,000 km/h, nailing just the right timing and position for our telescope was crucial.
After the central flash the star starts dimming again and eventually returns to its usual brightness. It is that central flash that shows how the star light refracts through Pluto’s atmosphere and provide crucial information on its temperature and chemical composition.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kampire: The East African DJ spinning a new narrative for African music'Globally successful East African selector Kampire gives us a glimpse into her life, career and her new release
Read more »
Home Affairs To Cancel Chidimma Adetshina’s South African ID, SA RejoicesThe Department of Home Affairs has revealed that Chidimma Adetshina's ID could be cancelled as investigations into her citizenship continue revealing bombs.
Read more »
The latest rugby transfer news: Waratahs release South African hookerSouth African rugby players are in demand the world over and it can be a chore to keep track of all the latest moves but we have got you covered.
Read more »
South African Rap Group Jozi Reportedly Planned Reunion Performance Before da L.E.S Stroke ScareThe remaining members of Jozi were reportedly planning a surprise reunion performance after a decade of beef, but Da L.E.S' unfortunate stroke derailed the plans.
Read more »
“It’s Not Christ-Like”: South African Woman Goes Viral for Warning Christians Against ClubbingA South African woman took to social media to warn Christians against clubbing. The video went viral online, leaving many people sharing the same sentiments.
Read more »
Soweto Theatre to honour 40 South African art legends with starsConnie Chiume's passing forced the theatre’s hand in revealing her as one of the inductees. The other 39 will be revealed on the day.
Read more »