[FoRK] [Fwd: {MPML} Two new sats of Pluto]

[Joe Barrera]

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: 	{MPML} Two new sats of Pluto
Date: 	Mon, 31 Oct 2005 20:36:59 +0100
From: 	"Sebastian F. H?nig" <shoenig at mpifr-bonn.mpg.de>
To: 	Minor Planet Mailing List <mpml at yahoogroups.com>



Hello all,

IAUC 8625 was just issued reporting on TWO NEW SATELLITES OF PLUTO.

Let me quote from the IAUC:
"Unique orbits cannot be calculated from the available
data, but the measured positions are consistent with nearly
circular orbits in the orbital plane of Pluto I (Charon).  On this
assumption, preliminary orbital solutions yield a = 64700 +/- 850
km and P = 38.2 +/- 0.8 days for S/2005 P 1, and a = 49400 +/- 600
km and P = 25.5 +/- 0.5 days for S/2005 P 2.  Examination of
archival HST ACS/HRC data taken on 2002 June 14 (PI:  M. W. Buie)
shows two objects near the locations predicted by these orbits,
providing independent support for the satellite detections.  A
search over the entire orbital stability zone (+/- 100" around
Pluto) does not show any other potential satellites to a limiting
magnitude of V about 27.1 (5-sigma).  For additional information,
see http://www.boulder.swri.edu/plutonews."

Regards,
Sebastian