LORRI images show Pluto as non-circular due to optical resolution and rotation effects
the verdict
REFUTED
the evidence says no
refutedsupported
the weight of evidence
0 sources for · 1 against
AS REPORTEDno primary record reached; this is what the reporting says
Retrieved expert discussion refutes the claim, explaining that Pluto's non-circular or gibbous appearance in early LORRI images is dominated by the camera's point spread function rather than optical resolution limits combined with rotation effects.
# Why isn't Pluto a circle on LORRI images?
Tags: new-horizons, pluto
- Score: 12
- Views: 1536
- Answers: 1
- Answered: yes
- Asked by: Dims (743 rep)
- Asked: 2015-02-05
- Edited: 2015-02-06
- Site: space
## Question
A Long Distance Look from LORRI images were published recently.
Pluto and Charon look like shrunken ovals here:
Why is this?
Is it due to Pluto and Charon's phases? Is the distance enough to observe not full phase?
I calculated that since the speed of Pluto is 4.6 km/s and the speed of New Horizons is 14.6 km/s, then the angle it observed is 17 degrees.
Is this correct and is this enough to observe not full phase?
## Answers
### Answer by pericynthion (score: 23 [ACCEPTED])
Per New Horizons science team member John Spencer, via Emily Lakdawalla, the spacecraft is not yet close enough to fully resolve the the shapes of Pluto and Charon. Their apparent shape is dominated by the camera / telescope's point spread function, which is "slightly teardrop shaped, giving that gibbous appearance".