 |
EQUIPMENT GUIDE
Telescopes
Types of Telescopes
Choosing a Telescope
Telescope Accessories
Spotting Scopes
Astrophotography
Binoculars
Types of Binoculars
Choosing Binoculars
Binocular Accessories
Software & Books
Astronomy Software
Star Charts & Maps
Astronomy Books
Other Resources
Articles & Tips
Glossary & Abbrev.
Related Links
Sitemap
|
 |
< back to Planets
The Planets: Planet Pluto
Pluto is the last of nine planets in our solar system and is the furthest planet from the sun. Pluto is one of the outer planets; however, it's designation as a planet is in dispute.
The solar system's smallest and most distant planet is not visible without the aid of a good-sized telescope and some patience to locate it over several nights.
| Pluto Facts |
| Mass (kg) |
1.27e+22 |
| Radius (km) |
1,137 |
| Density (gm/cm3) |
2.05 |
| Distance from Sun (km) |
5,913,520,000 |
| Period of rotation (days) |
-6.3872 |
| Period of orbit (yrs) |
248.54 |
| Orbital velocity (km/sec) |
4.74 |
| Eccentricity of orbit |
0.2482 |
| Tilt of axis (°) |
122.52 |
| Inclination of orbit (°) |
17.148 |
| surface gravity (m/sec2) |
0.4 |
| escape velocity (km/sec) |
1.22 |
| Visual albedo |
0.3 |
| Visual magnitude |
15.12 |
| Atmosphere |
Methane=%
|
| Moons |
1 |
|
Pluto can only be viewed in larger amateur telescopes.
|
|  |