===================================================================== we have measured the thermal flux emitted at 60-200 micron by the pluto-charon system using isophot-c. this emission constrains the temperature of pluto.s surface. most interestingly, our data suggest the existence of an infrared lightcurve, i.e. variations of the pluto flux with rotational phase. if confirmed, such variations would demonstrate that the surface temperature of pluto is spatially variable, which has very important implications for the atmosphere/surface interactions and the atmospheric dynamics. we need a few additional measurements to confirm completely unambiguously that these variations are real. in addition, measurements at 25 micron with pht-p would provide further insight into the temperature distribution at pluto.s surface.
Instrument
PHT22
Temporal Coverage
1997-08-16T08:15:37Z/1997-08-20T08:41:07Z
Version
1.0
Mission Description
The Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) was the worlds first true orbiting infrared observatory. Equipped with four highly-sophisticated and versatile scientific instruments, it was launched by Ariane in November 1995 and provided astronomers world-wide with a facility of unprecedented sensitivity and capabilities for a detailed exploration of the Universe at infrared wavelengths.
