Pluto - a tiny planet in the solar system.Clyde Tombaugh discovered it in the US in 1930.Subsequently it was also discovered and studied the satellites of Pluto.The average distance from the planet to the Sun is a little less than 40 AU
Pluto is a 15-magnitude.This means that it is 4,000 times weaker than the stars that are in the zone visible to the naked eye.A celestial body rotates very slowly and makes one orbit for 247.7 years.Pluto is coming to the Sun closer than Neptune.However, the planet is still quite far away, so it is extremely difficult to study.
Pluto got its name
right to come up with a name for the new planet went to the director of Lowell Observatory VMSlipher.Initially, his widow asked to name the opening of the "Zeus" and then "Lovvel 'and eventually his name" Constance, "but neither of these options has not been approved.Traditionally, the planet called the names of Roman gods, and "Pluto" is most appropriate for this discovery, besides the name of the director of the observatory looked like initials.
In fact, there is much more offers a name for the new planet.For example, the editor of a popular newspaper "New York Times" called the proposed opening of the "Minerva", but, as in the case with the planet Uranus, this idea was rejected.As the name suggests: Athena, Vulcan, Artemis, winter, Icarus, Space, Atlas, Gera, Tantalum, Perseus, Pax, One, Persephone, Kron, Idan, Prometheus, etc.But neither Pluto nor the planet itself will not get them.
The fact is that most of these names have been used for asteroids.
Interesting fact
One couple even offered to name the planet after their newly born child.But ultimately received the current name due to the opening of 11-year-old girl from Oxford Bernie Venice.During breakfast, her grandfather, who at the time worked as a librarian at the University of Oxford, read the newspaper, which tells about the opening.He asked her granddaughter, she believes should be referred to a newly discovered planet.
girl said that as the celestial body is located very far away, and its surface is very cold, then it would be appropriate to name it in honor of the Roman god of the underworld Pluto.The elderly librarian warmed to the idea and the proposal sent by telegraph to his colleagues in the United States, after which the name was unanimously accepted and approved by May 1, 1930.
Do Pluto satellites
Like most of the planets Pluto accompanied by satellites.The most interesting and unusual it is - Charon.There are also two small satellites - Hydra and Nix (nobody).And two very tiny fellow who today only have the serial numbers.
Charon
satellites of the planet Pluto are amazing in their characteristics, but the most mysterious of them - Charon.It is very remarkable is its origin.The fact that until 2005 it was the only companion of a small planet.Later, scientists discovered two small bodies, which also revolved around Pluto.Charon was located at a distance of more than 20 000 km from the planet and its mass at the time of opening was 1.9 sextillion kilograms.
history
small moons of Pluto were discovered relatively recently, but Charon has attracted the attention of astronomers in 1978.Since the time of its discovery, it was believed that the planet has only one celestial body in its orbit.
all in the same 1978 experts studied pictures of Pluto.With careful consideration, scientists have noticed a small "bulge", which is located in front of the disk of the planet.
Pluto-Charon
This system was adopted so called because of the general properties of the satellite and the planet.According to one hypothesis, both objects of the solar system emerged simultaneously in the moment of collision and the formation of an independent.That is indeed Charon is Pluto's shrapnel.Thus it is possible to assume that nobody SARA are also particles planet.The origin of the small satellite is still a scientific mystery.
interesting phenomenon
In 1985-1990 Pluto Charon entered a stage of the eclipse, at the time of the land could be observed orbit of the satellite and the planet itself.This is one of the rarest of phenomena, which happens only twice in the 248-year cycle of Pluto turn around the sun.Fortunately, in the late 80's attention has been riveted literally to Pluto, so they were able to fix the exact dimensions of the satellite.And, unfortunately, the next time to see it and be able to fix all the indicators very soon.
Features Charon
Due to its remoteness from the shining surface of Charon is very cold, and the temperature is 220 degrees below zero.Not surprisingly, the satellite is completely covered with a thick layer of ice.This fact gives birth to even more questions and guesses of scientists, including those concerning the origin of the celestial body.It is theorized that the satellite has geological activity, thanks to its surface than can be produced water.Even though such a low temperature.This is confirmed by the fact that on the surface of Charon was discovered ammonium hydroxide, which would have to undergo the complete disintegration of the solar activity.
Of course, this is just a guess, but the findings suggest that Charon keeps many secrets that have yet to learn.
Forecasts
Astronomers and scientists are extremely interested others more detailed consideration of the question of what satellites of Pluto and what is their origin, in particular, of course, Charon.In this regard, in 2015 is scheduled to begin a series of studies devoted to this particular planet and its satellites.
noteworthy that Charon rotate simultaneously with the planet, so they always face each other on one side.All these facts could not but arouse the interest of the scientific community.
small satellites of Pluto
youngest brother Charon were also discovered relatively recently, in 2005.They were two small satellites P1 "Hydra" and P2 "Nix".Their diameter was only 45-55 km.
In 2011 was found the 4th Seto Pluto - P4.Its diameter and all of 13-33 km.Ultimately, in 2012, "satellite family" added another baby P5 detected.Its diameter of only 10-25 km.As you can see, small satellites of Pluto, which updated the list have not yet received the names.But there is evidence that the P4 and P5 will be assigned nicknames Vulcan and Cerberus.These names have the highest score on the online voting conducted by the Institute SETI.
summarize
Thus, at the time of the latest research (in 2013) was known 5 celestial bodies, which are satellites of Pluto.In fact, it is assumed that there are many more, just a little body safely hidden from the eyes of scientists.But if you believe the theory that the formation of planets could even break away pieces in the near future we are waiting for the next opening.
Pluto, whose names are still in the approval stage, will be studied, as well as the mysterious Charon.There are some interesting hypotheses and conjectures, which has not yet been confirmed by substantial evidence or facts.
Thanks to modern technology and relatively clear pictures of specialists can not only characterize the satellites, but also to simulate the process of their education.This allows you to answer many questions, but also raises a number of new, more interesting puzzles for humanity, which is so eager to look into the universe.
