Massive Methane Ice Spikes Found Near Pluto’s Equator

Swift Summary:

• Researchers found skyscraper-size spires of methane ice may cover 60% of Pluto’s equatorial region. This exceeds prior estimates.
• The study, published in Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, utilized data from NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, which flew past Pluto on July 14, 2015.
• Methane ice spires are approximately 1,000 feet tall and arranged in parallel rows forming “bladed terrain,” primarily located in the Tartarus Dorsa region near Pluto’s heart-shaped surface feature, Tombaugh Regio.
• Similar to Earth’s penitentes (high-altitude ice structures), thes features form due to long-term cycles of methane condensation and sublimation influenced by Pluto’s seasonal and orbital changes.
• Indirect data analysis suggests the bladed terrain spans about five times the width of the continental United States between latitudes 30° North and South but requires future direct observations for confirmation.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
India has a growing interest in planetary exploration, with recent advancements such as the chandrayaan lunar missions solidifying its presence in space research. The findings about Pluto’s unique geological formations highlight a broader push toward understanding icy worlds in our solar system-a potential area where Indian researchers can contribute through collaborative international missions or future independant interplanetary explorations by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). Such studies coudl provide insights into geomorphological phenomena that intersect disciplines like geology and astrochemistry while enhancing India’s scientific diplomacy with global institutions like NASA.

For India’s rapidly advancing science education sector, learning from such groundbreaking research could inspire innovation among students exploring careers in space sciences or astronomy.

Read more: https://www.livescience.com/space/pluto/skyscraper-size-spikes-of-methane-ice-may-surround-plutos-equator