Pluto's and Charon's "twinkle"

  • Thread starter Imager
  • Start date
In summary, the speaker is wondering why the vertical and horizontal planes of Pluto and Charon appear brighter in the same direction in a photo taken by the Hubble telescope in 2006. They also ask if this is a normal effect and if there is a specific name for it. The response is that this is not an atmospheric effect, but rather a result of the telescope's support structure creating diffraction spikes.
  • #1
Imager
Gold Member
112
61
Below is a shot of Pluto and Charon from Hubble in 2006. I was wondering why the vertical and horizontal planes appear brighter in the same direction for both objects?
I thought the increased "twinkle" at perpendicular angles was normal effect from objects and didn't have any particular orientation. That made me think it was odd both these objects had the same orientation to their brighter “twinkle”. Is it something to do with the optics of a telescope?

Also, is there actual name for this effect, other than twinkle?
hs-2006-29-a-small_web.jpg


Link:http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/releases/solar-system/pluto/2006/29/
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
This is not an effect of the atmosphere. Those lines are from the telescope (from the support structure of the secondary mirror), and the telescope is the same for both objects: Diffraction spike.
 
  • Like
Likes Imager

What causes the twinkling effect on Pluto and Charon?

The twinkling effect on Pluto and Charon is caused by the Earth's atmosphere. As the light from these distant objects passes through our atmosphere, it gets distorted and creates the appearance of twinkling.

Does the twinkling of Pluto and Charon affect their visibility?

Yes, the twinkling effect can make it difficult to see Pluto and Charon clearly, especially with smaller telescopes. This is why larger telescopes or specialized imaging techniques are needed to get a clearer view of these distant objects.

Can the twinkling effect on Pluto and Charon be observed from other planets?

The twinkling effect can only be observed from a planet with an atmosphere, like Earth. Other planets without an atmosphere, such as Mars or Venus, would not experience this effect.

Do the twinkling patterns on Pluto and Charon change over time?

Yes, the twinkling patterns can change over time due to changes in the Earth's atmosphere, as well as changes in the atmosphere of Pluto and Charon. This is why multiple observations over a period of time are necessary to study this phenomenon.

How does the twinkling of Pluto and Charon affect scientific observations?

The twinkling effect can make it challenging to obtain clear and accurate data from Pluto and Charon. Scientists must carefully analyze and interpret their observations to account for this effect and ensure the accuracy of their findings.

Similar threads

I How Big of an Object Orbiting Closer to the Sun Than Earth Could Be Overlooked?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
17
Views
2K
B Evolution of planetary system around a white dwarf
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
966
Are researchers really this interested in 'Planet 9'
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
6
Views
2K
Hubble discovers two new satellites of Pluto
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
12
Views
31K
Exploring Pluto & Charon w/ New Horizons: A Reflection
    • General Discussion
Replies
3
Views
2K
More exact prediction of collision with Andromeda galaxy
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
3K
Black Holes: Is the Hubble Image Real?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
9
Views
2K
Is my fictional Solar System stable and realistic?
    • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
21
Views
1K
Pluto & Charon's Center of Mass - 6871.5 km
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
15K
The Planet That Should Not Exist
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
9
Views
5K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top