Dynamics of nitrogen ice on Pluto. Up: Part of Sputnik Planitia revealing polygonal shapes created by convection within the ice (© NASA / JHUAPL / SwRI; www.nasa.gov/image-feature/pluto-s-icy-plains-in-highest-resolution-views-from-new-horizons). Down: Temperature anomalies under surface of ice as predicted by computer model presented by study authors
Dynamics of nitrogen ice on Pluto. Up: Part of Sputnik Planitia revealing polygonal shapes created by convection within the ice (© NASA / JHUAPL / SwRI; www.nasa.gov/image-feature/pluto-s-icy-plains-in-highest-resolution-views-from-new-horizons). Down: Temperature anomalies under surface of ice as predicted by computer model presented by study authors (© A. Morison / S. Labrosse / G. Choblet). Sputnik Planitia, a basin on the surface of Pluto 1 filled with nitrogen ice, displays an astonishing pattern of flat polygons separated by narrow troughs. This feature is a sign of thermal convection within the icy mass that constantly renews its surface. Until now the driver of this process was a riddle. However 2 and the University of Exeter unveil the mystery behind the formation of these structures.
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