CVF spectrophotometry of Pluto - Correlation of composition with albedo

by: Marcialis, R. L.; Lebofsky, L. A.

ABSTRACT

The present time-resolved, 0.96-2.65-micron spectrophotometry for the
Pluto-Charon system indicates night-to-night variations in the depths of
the methane absorptions such that the bands' equivalent width is near
minimum light. The interpretation of these data in terms of a depletion
of methane in dark regions of the planet, relative to bright ones, is
consistent with the Buie and Fink (1987) observations. The near-IR
spectrum of Pluto seems to be dominated by surface frost. It is suggested
that the dark equatorial regions of Pluto are redder than those of moderate
albedo.

Icarus, ISSN 0019-1035, vol. 89, Feb. 1991, p. 255-263.