Abstract: In July of 2015 the New Horizons spacecraft flew through the Pluto system, initiating detailed exploration of the Kuiper belt. Pluto turned out to be a world of remarkable geologic diversity, and its surfaces display a range of ages, suggesting geologic activity of various forms has persisted for much of Pluto’s history. Pluto has some familiar features (e.g., tectonics, cratering) but also features that are unique (e.g., a giant convecting nitrogen ice sheet, and large cryovolcanic constructs). Pluto also has a thin atmosphere that creates seasonal cycles of volatile ice (N2, CH4, and CO) sublimation and redeposition that reshape and mantle Pluto’s surface.
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This is a Zoom Seminar
LASP seminars are generally held every Thursday at 4:00 PM on Zoom and in person.
If you are interested in attending, please contact Jeremy Averyt (firstname.lastname at lasp.colorado.edu) to be added to the mailing list.
The Physics Frontiers Centers (PFC) program supports university-based centers and institutes where the collective efforts of a larger group of individuals can enable transformational advances in the most promising research areas. The program is designed to foster major breakthroughs at the intellectual frontiers of physics by providing needed resources such as combinations of talents, skills, disciplines, and/or specialized infrastructure, not usually available to individual investigators or small groups, in an environment in which the collective efforts of the larger group can be shown to be seminal to promoting significant progress in the science and the education of students. PFCs also include creative, substantive activities aimed at enhancing education, broadening participation of traditionally underrepresented groups, and outreach to the scientific community and general public.