The Great Pluto Heist: How We Snatched a Glimpse of the Dwarf Planet’s Atmosphere
As the International Astronomical Union cruelly demoted Pluto from its planetary throne in 2006, astronomers and non-experts alike were left reeling. But despite its reduced status, Pluto remains an enigmatic and fascinating object of study. In a daring move, my team at the University of the Western Cape joined forces with NASA to capture a rare occultation event that could reveal secrets about Pluto’s atmosphere.
A single telescope, a big risk
We used a state-of-the-art 0.5m Newtonian telescope, generously donated by the University of Virginia. Setting it up and commissioning it was a daunting task that required state-of-the-art facilities and human power. Our team worked tirelessly to prepare for the observation, learning about telescope operations and the required software.
The ultimate adventure
On August 4, 2024, my colleague Siyambonga Matshawule and I, along with our postdocs and PhD student, embarked on a journey to the viewing spot in the Northern Cape. The temperature was a chilly 0°C, and the sky was partially cloudy, but the clouds parted at just the right time to reveal the celestial show.
Capturing the moment
As Pluto’s shadow passed over Earth, we captured the moment when the starlight dimmed, and the central flash occurred. This fleeting glimpse provided crucial information about Pluto’s atmosphere, including its temperature and chemical composition.
The aftermath
But disaster struck when a sudden and unexpected wind surge shook the telescope, threatening to ruin our data. We’re still processing the noise, but we’re confident that our observation will yield valuable insights into Pluto’s atmosphere.
The adventure continues
We’ll have another chance to observe the occultation next year, and we’re already planning to bring hot water bottles to keep us warm during the chilly night. The search for knowledge is an adventure, and we’re excited to see what secrets Pluto will reveal to us.
