Pluto proved to be an intriguing object.
After it was first imaged with Charon (photo) a year ago (see also storyboards I and II ), its rotation of 6 Earth days and 9 hours, was followed closely and in the consecutive images it showed a mind-boggling surface feature.
The giant mountain seen here in six amazing images was first spoted on March 6, 2009 (image III). Around that time, the triangular shadow to the right gave away the uncommon size and shape of the mountain.
But it was only after more photo sessions of Pluto that the true magnitude of the mountain could be properly grasped.
Seen here coming from behind Pluto at 4 o´clock (image I) it then crosses over in a diagonal way (image II) going through the dead center (image III) and further to the left upper limb of the dwarf planet (image IV).
Until it reaches the perfect edge on position (image V) at 10 o´clock. On image VI the mountain starts to set as Pluto turns its other side towards Earth.
Based on image V, ball part figures could be inferred. Assuming that Pluto´s diameter is 2.300Km, the base of the mountain measures 1.056Km. The height is estimated at 440Km.
The giant mountain beats Mars´s Olympus Mons, 24Km in height, current title holder, by 416Km and is a strong candidate for biggest mountain in the Solar System.
TIPS FOR SPOTING THE GIANT MOUNTAIN ON PLUTO
Anyone with a (at least) 12” go-to telescope and a colour CCD Camera can glimpse the giant mountain in its two edge-on positions. Here is how to do it:
For the remainder of 2009 the mountain is going to be visible on these following nights.
FINDING PLUTO AND IMAGE TAKING PROCEDURE
To find Pluto, consult your favorite sky program and make sure the data is accurate (time, day, position, etc). Once found in the program, keep the image of the Pluto and starfield around it visible. Star-hop with your GO-TO telescope from the nearby biggest (Kaus Borealis) star to the closest cataloged star around Pluto.
Once the stars are centered in the camera´s field of view, slew your telescope to Pluto.
Make a first 60 second image and try to match it to the program´s view.
After Pluto is found try taking many 60 second images to select the best one (perfectly round objects, luminosity centered, etc) and eliminate all white luminance until Pluto looks grey.
If your picture is right the mountain will appear as on the following RAW image and JPEG format.
MEADE 14” LX200 telescope, SBIG ST4020 and ST2K CCD Cameras. Exposure time: 60 seconds in high resolution.
Image development in CCDops, Maxim DL4 and Adobe Photoshop CS4 Extended
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