Mapping the Variegated Surface of Pluto

Abstract

During the period from 1985 through 1990, Pluto and its satellite Charon underwent a series of transits, eclipses, and occultations, which are collectively called ``mutual events.'' The albedo distribution of Pluto's sub-Charon hemisphere can be determined from these events with a spatial resolution that surpasses any current direct-imaging schemes. We use an iterative technique to determine a map of Pluto's sub-Charon hemisphere with resolutions down to 200 km in some areas. This map resolves a localized bright feature that may be due to condensation around a geyser or in a crater.