Sputnik Planitia, a enigmatic depression on the distant world of Pluto, has captivated scientists since its discovery during NASA’s New Horizons mission in 2015. Its colossal size, comparable to Mexico, and pear-shaped morphology have remained puzzling. Now, a research team believes they have painted a vivid picture of Sputnik Planitia’s origins.
Based on three-dimensional simulations, the researchers propose that an impact by a 700-kilometer-wide object, composed of both ice and rock, at a shallow angle of 30 degrees may have carved out Sputnik Planitia. This impact scenario remarkably replicates its distinctive pear shape. Moreover, the simulations suggest that the impactor’s core may still reside buried beneath Sputnik Planitia, contributing to its substantial mass. This mass retention explains why Sputnik Planitia has remained in its equatorial position despite Pluto’s slow rotation.
The researchers highlight the need for further research to fully understand the evolution of Sputnik Planitia over billions of years and to unravel the complexities of collisions in the icy realms of the outer solar system. They emphasize that future missions equipped with gravitational field measurements could provide crucial insights into Pluto’s interior, shedding light on the dynamics behind the formation of Sputnik Planitia and other enigmatic features on this enigmatic dwarf planet.
