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Hydrodynamic escape of nitrogen from Pluto
Author(s) -
Tian Feng,
Toon Owen B.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2005gl023510
Subject(s) - pluto , solar system , physics , atmosphere (unit) , astrobiology , solar wind , atmospheric escape , comet , atmospheric sciences , astrophysics , planet , meteorology , plasma , quantum mechanics
Hydrodynamic escape of nitrogen from Pluto is studied by solving time‐dependent hydrodynamic escape equations that treat the spatial distribution of EUV energy deposition realistically. Simulations show that the N 2 hydrodynamic escape rate is ∼1 × 10 28 molecules s −1 when Pluto is at 40 AU (its average orbital location) and solar activity level is at minimum. The N 2 hydrodynamic escape rate is ∼2 × 10 28 molecules s −1 when Pluto is at its perihelion (30 AU) and solar activity level is at maximum. Through hydrodynamic escape, Pluto may have lost ∼0.5% of its total mass over the age of the solar system. Comet‐like interactions may occur between Pluto's atmosphere and the solar wind flow, which may be observed by the New Horizon mission.